Pink pineapples, marketed as Pinkglow or Rosé, are a distinctive specialty fruit with vibrant, blush-toned flesh. Unlike traditional yellow pineapples, they offer unique visual appeal. Their striking color and slightly different flavor profile make them a notable addition to cultivated fruits.
The Science Behind Pink Pineapples
The development of pink pineapples involves precise genetic modification enhancing the fruit’s natural pigment. Researchers altered the genetic makeup of conventional Del Monte Gold Pineapple to achieve the pink hue. This modification controls lycopene production, a natural pigment found in foods like tomatoes and watermelons.
In yellow pineapples, lycopene beta-cyclase converts pink lycopene into yellow beta-carotene. To create pink pineapples, scientists used RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress this enzyme’s activity. Muting the gene responsible for lycopene beta-cyclase inhibits conversion, allowing lycopene to accumulate, retaining the pink color. Del Monte initiated this genetic engineering process in 2005, taking 15 to 16 years of research and development.
Safety and Regulation
Concerns about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for human consumption led to rigorous evaluation of pink pineapples. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed its assessment of Del Monte’s pink pineapple in December 2016. The FDA concluded that the pink flesh pineapple is as safe and nutritious as its conventional yellow counterparts.
Del Monte initiated this voluntary consultation to assure consumers of the fruit’s safety. The genetic modification targets only three genes, none affecting the fruit’s safety or nutritional value. Lycopene, the pink pigment, is safely consumed in many other fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved testing and importation in 2013, indicating no environmental concerns.
Availability and Where to Find Them
Pink pineapples, the “Pinkglow” variety from Del Monte, became commercially available in the United States in late 2020. They are primarily grown in Costa Rica, where climate and soil conditions are ideal for cultivation. Due to specialized production and an extended 15 to 24-month growth cycle, pink pineapples are considered a premium product.
Consumers can find pink pineapples through online retailers specializing in exotic fruits, such as Melissa’s or Tropical Fruit Box. They are also available in limited quantities at select grocery stores across the U.S. and Canada. The fruit is sold without its crown, as Del Monte replants these crowns to sustainably cultivate future crops. Prices for a single pink pineapple range from $10 to $49.