Pineapple is a delicious tropical fruit cherished for its sweet, tangy flavor and nutritional benefits. Rich in vitamin C, manganese, fiber, and antioxidants, pineapples are an important commercial fruit crop in India. India is one of the leading pineapple producers in the world, with major cultivation in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Karnataka, Goa, and Meghalaya.
Pineapple varieties grown in India differ in fruit size, shape, flavor, color, and shelf life. These varieties are cultivated for fresh consumption, juice production, and processing industries like canned pineapple, jams, and syrups.
This article highlights more than 10 top pineapple varieties grown in India, their characteristics, regions of cultivation, and commercial importance.
1. Kew
Kew is the most widely cultivated variety in India due to its large fruit size and sweet flavor.
- Fruit Size: Large (1.5–2.5 kg)
- Shape: Cylindrical
- Color: Yellowish-brown with golden-yellow flesh
- Regions: West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tripura
- Characteristics:
- Low fiber with juicy and sweet flesh
- Excellent for fresh consumption and juice extraction
- Long shelf life, making it suitable for transport
- Uses: Fresh fruit markets, juice, and processing industries
2. Queen
Queen pineapple, also called “Mauritius Pineapple”, is known for its smaller size and exceptional sweetness.
- Fruit Size: Small to medium (800 g–1.2 kg)
- Shape: Oblong
- Color: Deep golden-yellow flesh
- Regions: Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, Tripura
- Characteristics:
- Firm, crisp flesh with intense sweetness and aroma
- Shorter shelf life compared to Kew
- Resistant to diseases and pests
- Uses: Fresh consumption, fruit salads, and desserts
3. Mauritius
Mauritius pineapple is a popular variety in southern India, often referred to as Queen Pineapple in some regions.
- Fruit Size: Medium (1–1.5 kg)
- Shape: Oblong to cylindrical
- Color: Golden-yellow skin with sweet, aromatic flesh
- Regions: Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Highly aromatic with excellent flavor
- High resistance to pests and diseases
- Popular for fresh markets and local trade
- Uses: Table fruit, desserts, juices
4. Giant Kew
Giant Kew is an improved version of the Kew variety, producing extra-large fruits.
- Fruit Size: Very large (2.5–3.5 kg)
- Shape: Cylindrical
- Color: Yellowish-brown with pale yellow flesh
- Regions: Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tripura
- Characteristics:
- Low acidity with mild sweetness
- Ideal for large-scale processing and canning
- Uses: Canning, juice extraction, export markets
5. Red Spanish
Red Spanish is a hardy pineapple variety grown primarily in coastal regions for local markets.
- Fruit Size: Medium (1.2–1.5 kg)
- Shape: Round
- Color: Reddish-brown skin with light yellow flesh
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa
- Characteristics:
- High fiber content and moderate sweetness
- Tough and resistant to damage during transport
- Uses: Fresh fruit markets, ornamental purposes
6. MD-2 (Golden Pineapple)
MD-2 is a hybrid pineapple variety that is gaining popularity for its uniform fruit size and superior sweetness.
- Fruit Size: Medium to large (1.5–2.5 kg)
- Shape: Cylindrical
- Color: Golden-yellow skin and flesh
- Regions: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Low acidity and very sweet flavor
- Long shelf life, making it ideal for export
- Uses: Fresh consumption, international markets
7. Jaldhup
Jaldhup is a regional pineapple variety primarily grown in northeastern India.
- Fruit Size: Medium (1–1.5 kg)
- Shape: Oval to cylindrical
- Color: Yellowish skin with white to light-yellow flesh
- Regions: Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya
- Characteristics:
- Juicy flesh with mild sweetness
- Suitable for local markets and short-distance transport
- Uses: Fresh consumption
8. Perola
Perola is a Brazilian-origin variety gaining interest in India due to its excellent flavor and aroma.
- Fruit Size: Medium (1–1.5 kg)
- Shape: Cylindrical
- Color: Pale yellow to golden flesh
- Regions: Kerala, Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Low acidity and smooth flesh texture
- Ideal for both fresh consumption and processing
- Uses: Fresh markets, juices, jams
9. Cayenne
Cayenne is an internationally renowned pineapple variety also cultivated in India for its large size and balanced flavor.
- Fruit Size: Large (2–3 kg)
- Shape: Cylindrical
- Color: Light yellow skin with pale yellow flesh
- Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
- Characteristics:
- Sweet-tangy flavor with less fiber
- Suitable for canning and juice extraction
- Uses: Canning, processing, export
10. Moris
Moris pineapple is a variety known for its short growth duration and suitability for humid climates.
- Fruit Size: Small to medium (1–1.2 kg)
- Shape: Oval
- Color: Light yellow skin with sweet, juicy flesh
- Regions: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa
- Characteristics:
- Early maturing variety
- Excellent sweetness with juicy pulp
- Uses: Fresh consumption, juices
FAQs
Q1: Which is the most commonly grown pineapple variety in India?
A: Kew is the most commonly grown variety due to its large fruit size, high yield, and versatility.
Q2: Which pineapple variety is best for export?
A: MD-2 (Golden Pineapple) and Kew are preferred for export due to their long shelf life and uniform size.
Q3: Which region produces the best quality pineapples in India?
A: Northeastern states like Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and southern states like Kerala are known for producing high-quality pineapples.
Q4: Which pineapple variety has the sweetest taste?
A: Queen Pineapple (Mauritius) and MD-2 are known for their exceptional sweetness and low acidity.
Q5: What are the ideal growing conditions for pineapples in India?
A: Pineapples require warm, humid climates, well-drained sandy loam soil, and an annual rainfall of 100–150 cm for optimal growth.
Conclusion
India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions support the cultivation of a wide range of pineapple varieties, including Kew, Queen, Mauritius, and export-oriented hybrids like MD-2. Pineapple farming not only enhances farmer incomes but also contributes significantly to the growing demand for fresh fruit, juices, and processed products. By choosing the right variety and adopting best practices, Indian farmers can ensure high productivity and profitability.
