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Pineapple
The pineapple is native to Brazil. It was introduced into tropical north Queensland’s Bloomfield area, near Cooktown, more than 100 years ago. The pineapple plant is a member of the Bromeliad family and is, basically, an edible flower. Throughout Queensland there are large commercial pineapple farms that produce quality fruit for markets and canning. Pineapple juice is sometimes used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat and as an antidote to seasickness. Characteristics Pineapples are oval in shape, with a flat bottom and a spiky crown of leaves at the top. They can measure 30 cm or more in height. The skin is rough, ranging from green to gold in colour as the fruit ripens. Taste Sweet and juicy. Buying and Storing When choosing a fruit, look for a clean stem break at the base of the fruit. Sweet, fresh fruit present a lovely sweet smell. Pineapples do not continue to ripen once they are picked. Preparing and Serving Best eaten fresh. Cut off the top and bottom and cut into slices, then eat the flesh away from the skin. Alternatively, the whole fruit may be peeled and then cut. The flesh can be juiced, frozen or dried. The hollowed-out fruit makes an interesting cocktail holder. Availability All year. Varieties Mareeba Gold, Bethonga, Rough Leaf Varieties. Acknowledgement The information about avocados is mainly sourced from the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland publication Tropical Tastes - Fruits, Foods and Flavours of North Queensland and is reproduced with due acknowledgement and authority.
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