How do pineapples grow?

Have you also thought for a large part of your life that pineapples grow like coconuts – on palm trees? And if not on palm trees, then at least on some trees? Today we dispel this myth and show you how it is in reality.

One wonders why we have such a belief and notion that pineapple is something that grows somewhere high? Maybe because for a long time it was an exotic fruit and unheard of in Poland, and the only form you saw it in was canned slices? Once it came up, little did they think, the leaves were on top, so how could it dangle on that palm tree? Upside down? Or is it hung on a string?

It’s also hard to see a pineapple plantation in the most popular destinations to which Poles travel. Take, for example, such oranges, lemons or bananas – these we will see quite easily, but pineapples? Where are they even grown? The main producers are Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, China…. but you don’t have to travel that far at all to see a pineapple plantation. We had the opportunity to see one on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores.

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Pineapple plantations in the Azores

Pineapple plantations in the Azores are located near Ponta Delgada. There are two plantations to choose from: Quinta das Três Cruzes and Augusto Arruda (both established in the early 20th century).

We had never seen pineapples grow, so finally there was an opportunity to do so. The Azores are famous for pineapples (pineapples rank just behind beef steaks when it comes to popularity in the Azores), although it is vain to look for them in our Polish stores. The pineapples here are smaller and different in taste than the ones we know.

We also recommend our eBook “Azores” »! All in one place with 103 pages full of inspiration, descriptions and practical advices. The perfect guide for anyone planning a trip to the Azores!

Interestingly, the pineapple plantation is free and you can roam around it without any guide (although here we would love to hear what he has to say). After passing the entrance gate, one enters a small square, from where one can begin the tour.

Although sightseeing is a big misnomer here – the visitor simply has the opportunity to take a look at the greenhouses, of which there are dozens here. Some greenhouses have cards on the door describing the growth phase and what is happening in the greenhouse.