Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical plant with an edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries. It is regarded as the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae family. It contributes over 20 per cent of the world production of tropical fruits, rated second to banana as the most important harvested fruit.

Brazil, Thailand, Philippines and China are the main pineapple producing countries, contributing 52 per cent of the world’s production. Others-India, Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, Mexico and Costa Rica, contribute the remaining 48 per cent.

 

In Africa, Nigeria is rated number one, as the largest producer of the fruit, followed by South Africa. Based on its importance, as one crop with the highest potential in the international market and highly profitable, farmers put emphasis on pineapple. It is not only capable of ensuring food security, job creation, the fruit is acclaimed for its health benefits.

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) belongs to the bromeliad family, which contains 50 genera and about 2,500 known species. It is indigenous to South America and is said to originate from the area between Southern Brazil and Paraguay.

Pineapples have a wide cylindrical shape, a scaly green, brown or yellow skin and a regal crown of spiny, blue-green leaves. The fibrous flesh of pineapple is yellow in color and has a vibrant tropical flavor that balances the tastes of sweet and tart. The area closer to the base of the fruit has more sugar content and therefore a sweeter taste and more tender texture

It has dagger-like leaves (it is a monocotyledon), and it is cultivated as a biennial plant. The first year it undergoes vegetative growth where the plant produces the leaves and the second year a flowering stalk arises from the center. On this stalk are produced up to 200 flowers, an inflorescence, which latter forms a solid structure, called a multiple fruit.

Variety

There are more than a hundred varieties of pineapples that grow in varying sizes; some more common and interesting varieties are given below.

Sugarloaf Pineapple

Red Spanish Pineapple

Queen Pineapple

Smooth Cayenne Pineapple.

IMPORTANCE

Prevents Constipation: As with a wide variety of other fruits, pineapple prevents constipation. It may also relieve constipation once you already have it. The main reason is because pineapple does contain fiber which helps with regulation.

Contains Several Nutrients: Apart from fiber, there are many other essential nutrients and vitamins that can be found in pineapple. This includes Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Calcium, and Potassium.

Provide relief from cold and cough: Pineapple contains what is called bromelain, which is known to relieve or even stop cold and coughs altogether. The main reason is because it is anti-inflammatory and ultimately, it is known to help with the loosening of mucus.

It is used in the manufacture of pineapple jam, juice, wine and other processed finished products.

Strengthens Bones: Pineapples are also popular for their ability to build and maintain strong bones. This is because these fruits contain manganese, which is a trace mineral that your body needs to build bones and connective tissues. In fact, if you consume a cup of pineapple, you can already get 73 percent of your total body requirement for manganese

PROCESSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PINEAPPLE[4]

With an increase in the area of production, there are opportunities for value addition. The value added products can be avenues for the development of agribusiness both for the local and export markets.

The pineapple can be processed to:

Pineapple Jam: Pineapple jam is solid gel made from the fruit pulp or juice, sugar, and pectin. Jam is used as a spread and is also used in the baking and confectionery industry.

Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice is highly appreciated for its high nutritional value and its particular exotic taste. There is a high demand for this juice locally and by the tourists.

Vacuum Packed Fresh Pineapple: fresh cut pineapple is vacuum packed without any food preservative treatment. The vacuum packed fresh pineapple has to be marketed in a cool chain. It is characterized by a high nutritional value, natural taste, and a unique flavor. It is convenient for immediate consumption and compatible with emerging supermarket.

Pineapple in Syrup

Wine

RozyFry Integrated Farm Limited farms best species of pineapple in Nigeria  .
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