Pinkglow Pineapple – Everything You Need to Know about this New Summer Sensation
Yes, they’re “legit”! Even if they sound like something straight out of a fairy story, Pink or Pinkglow Pineapples aren’t the product of a fruitful fantasy – at least not anymore! They go by Pinkglow™ (also known as Rosé Pineapple), and they were first engineered and produced by Del Monte® Foods.
Yes, pink pineapple is the result of GMOs, but don’t jump to any harsh conclusions just yet. The slightly toned-down genes have only made the original pineapple a tad cuter…but also sweeter!
We’ll talk about what makes pink pineapples so wonderful beyond having gone viral on Pinterest!
The Birth of Pinkglow Pineapples – Less ‘GMO’ Than You’d Think!
Carotenoids (specifically, lycopene), which generate the pink-red hue, are naturally found in pineapples. Lycopene is also present in tomatoes, red bell peppers, watermelons, and papayas – you get the deal. However, this red lycopene converts to beta carotene in your regular pineapple, giving it that typical yellow pigment.
The engineering performed by Del Monte® Foods simply canceled that switch (muting the enzyme which converted lycopene to beta carotene), allowing the meat to develop that pretty pink-red pigment.
In fact, they have their own patent, which is an exclusive right granted for a particular invention. And pink pineapples are surely a great one!
What does Pink Pineapple Taste Like? Golden vs. Pink Pineapple
Its pastel pink, appetizing flesh went viral really fast, but the hype goes beyond the enchanting aspect. Pink pineapples are slightly juicier and less bitter than their yellow counterparts. Del Monte describes the pink-hued fruit as “extra-sweet.”
Then again, according to The Produce Nerd, the overall taste is very similar to traditional yellow pineapples, but without the extra kick at the end. Opinions seem to be divided on the matter, so you might want to give them a try and draw your own conclusions.
Is Pink Pineapple Safe to Eat?
Yes, Pinkglow pineapples are definitely edible. In December 2016, the American FDA approved them as safe for consumption and commercialization.
Del Monte’s Pinkglow pineapple was officially launched on October 12, 2020. Still, they have been in development since way back in 2005, which means it took Del Monte 15 years to create this wondrous fruit! As with all GM foods, the pink pineapple went through a long and rigid regulatory process to ensure it’s safe for both humans and the environment.
Nutrition and Health
The pink color was created by turning off the enzyme that turns a pineapple yellow. Hence the product features no additional additives or health concerns. In fact, these pink wonders come with a handful of health benefits, particularly for your skin, bones, and immunity. In short, “the pink flesh pineapple is as safe and nutritious as its conventional counterparts,” says the FDA, so you have nothing to worry about.
Where can I Buy Pinkglow Pineapple?
Riviera has it! Just add it to your next order. However, keep in mind that it’s more expensive than traditional yellow pineapple. According to Pablo Rivero (Del Monte Fresh VP of marketing), it’s a “very exclusive product that has a low production volume and takes approximately 15 to 24 months to grow”.
It used to be available only online as a DTC service, but now you can get it for your restaurant and blow your customers away with this popular (and safe) summer sensation! And if you’re looking for more exciting ideas to spice up your restaurant menu, check out this blog!