Pink pineapples, with their distinctive rosy hue, have captured the attention of consumers. These unique fruits look like a conventional pineapple externally but reveal vibrant pink flesh when cut. Their striking appearance often sparks curiosity, leading many to question their origin and if they are genetically modified. This article explores the science behind these fruits, which are a product of modern biotechnology.
How Pink Pineapples Were Developed
Pink pineapples, marketed as Pinkglow pineapples by Del Monte, are a result of genetic engineering. The development process, which began in 2005, involved modifying the pineapple’s genetic makeup. Traditional yellow pineapples contain lycopene, a pink pigment also found in tomatoes and watermelons. However, an enzyme called lycopene beta-cyclase converts this pink pigment into yellow beta-carotene as the fruit matures.
Scientists at Del Monte genetically engineered the pineapple to produce lower levels of this specific enzyme. By muting the activity of lycopene beta-cyclase, the conversion of pink lycopene to yellow beta-carotene is suppressed, allowing the lycopene to accumulate. The genetic modification also involved introducing a gene whose RNA binds to the RNA responsible for producing the enzyme, effectively preventing its creation.
The new genetic material was transferred to the pineapple genome using bacteria that naturally transfer DNA to host cells. Del Monte worked on this development for approximately 16 years, conducting testing in Costa Rica, where the pineapples are grown, to ensure proper growth and productivity.
Safety and Availability
The safety of pink pineapples for consumption has been thoroughly evaluated by regulatory bodies. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed its assessment of the genetically engineered pineapple in 2016, concluding it is as safe and nutritious as conventional pineapples. Del Monte voluntarily submitted information to the FDA to demonstrate the fruit’s safety, even though a consultation was not strictly required. This review process ensures genetic modifications do not pose health risks.
The nutritional profile of pink pineapples is similar to traditional yellow pineapples. They remain a good source of vitamin C and manganese, and contain small amounts of thiamin, vitamin B6, and folate. The primary difference is the increased lycopene content, which is a naturally occurring antioxidant. Pink pineapples are generally sweeter and less acidic than yellow varieties.
Pink pineapples, branded as Pinkglow pineapples, are a specialty product available in select markets. They are exclusively grown by Del Monte on a farm in the south-central region of Costa Rica. Due to their specialized cultivation and limited production, they have a higher price point than conventional pineapples, with prices ranging from approximately $10 in grocery stores to $29-$39 from online retailers. The crowns of Pinkglow pineapples are removed before shipping and replanted to sustain future crops, making them unavailable for home growing.