Pineapples are a fruit that constantly flaunts on store shelves, both fresh and canned. Due to the specifics of our climatic zone, we cannot observe pineapple in nature - only fruit brought. Therefore, it is very interesting to know how and where pineapples grow, and how they get to our table.
It is already traditional for us that we attribute watermelon and pumpkin to the category of berries, however, the fact that pineapple is a grass can cause bewilderment for many! Since pineapple is a tropical fruit, our compatriots have the impression that pineapple is growing on a palm tree. Although many children, when asked about where pineapples grow, they answer that it’s right in the store.
In order to find out the nature and features of growing pineapples, you need to conduct a short excursion into history. The birthplace of pineapple is Paraguay. For the first time, the colonialists discovered this fruit near the Amazon, then they brought it to European countries. Later, pineapple was grown in other countries with a tropical climate, for example, in Australia, Mexico, Hawaii, the Philippines, as well as in Africa and India. In a word, wherever natural conditions allow. Unfortunately, pineapples do not grow on the territory of Russia, unless this can be done in the greenhouse conditions of the Krasnodar Territory. Therefore, pineapple is still an exotic fruit for us.
About where pineapples grow, many articles have been written, a lot of information has been posted. But our craftsmen and masters still try to grow this fruit at home. Moreover, if the technology is correctly followed, the fruits can turn out to be much sweeter and tastier, because they will be more ripe than the store ones. But it is important to remember that for proper and high-quality ripening, a sufficient amount of heat and sunlight is necessary. Since the leaves of the pineapple are covered with a thick peel, and they are located so that they taper to the edge, this helps them retain moisture longer. This is an indispensable property, based on the fact that the fruit grows under the scorching sun. The pineapple itself is covered with certain scales, which, due to their rigidity, retain juice for a long time. Reproduction occurs through the root system, because pineapple has no seeds.
From the area where pineapples grow, they are delivered to where this luxury is not available. Since the transportation process is long and complicated, suppliers resort to some tricks. So, pineapples are harvested unripe, because ripe pineapple contains so much sugar that fermentation can begin. As they "get" to their destination, they continue to ripen. If you nevertheless acquired a pineapple that has remained green and solid, be aware that it did not lie very long after the crop was harvested. The approximate weight of pineapple ranges from two to three kilograms to fifteen. But remember that these calculations take into account the weight of both the peel and leaves. Therefore, the pulp, on average, is one third of the total weight. It depends on the degree of maturity and size of the fetus. Ripe pineapple is distinguished by the brown color of the thorns on the peel, this is an indication that it is sweet and quite soft.
If you still decide to try to grow pineapple at home, you need to know how much pineapple grows. So, if the care is correct, the first fruits can be obtained only after three to four years. But the problem is that the pineapple needs to create conditions for flowering. This is usually done by fumigation: you need to put a plastic bag on the plant, and next you need to put a few smoldering coals. The procedure lasts about 10 minutes, its frequency should be about 10-15 days. But the mass of the fruit grown at home will be less - a maximum of 1 kg. But it's worth it! And delicious and beautiful!
