A developing pineapple fruit atop the flowering stalk
A ground-dwelling bromeliad, the pineapple (Ananas comosus) is native to northern Brazil. Pineapples were widely cultivated by indigenous peoples by the time Columbus arrived in the late 15th century. Today, it remains a symbol of hospitality and an important fruit crop. In the United States, pineapples are grown commercially in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, although gardeners in frost-free climates can grow them outdoors, too. Like other perennial crops, numerous cultivated varieties exist.
General Grouping
Pineapples are grown throughout the tropical regions of the world on five continents. Numerous cultivars of pineapples have been developed over the years in each of these regions, selected for various preferred qualities. For simplicity, all of the world's pineapple cultivars are grouped in one of four main classes, according to Purdue University. These classes contain huge variation within them, but the cultivars share some semblance of common lineage. Smooth Cayenne, Red Spanish, Queen and Abacaxi are the four umbrella classes for all pineapples.
Smooth Cayenne
Smooth Cayenne pineapple originated before 1820 and was the type indigenous Venezuelans cultivated. The Spanish call it Cayena Lisa. Since then, this type became a leading pineapple in Hawaii, Australia and Taiwan. Modern cultivars that arose from breeding or selection of natural mutations of the Smooth Cayenne include Hilo, St. Michael, Giant Kew, Perolera, Charlotte Rothschild, Bumanguesa, Monet Lirio, Esmeralda, Typhone and Palin. These cultivars are grown throughout the world. Some are more widespread in various regions based on disease resistance, flavor or harvest scheduling.
Red Spanish
Red Spanish pineapple is commonly grown as a commercial cultivar in the West Indies, Mexico and Venezuela as well as in Florida. Breeders crossed Red Spanish and Smooth Cayenne pineapples to create modern cultivars that are grouped in the Red Spanish class. Cabezona, Valera, Valera Amarilla, Valera Roja, Castilla, Cumanesa, Morada and Monte Oscuro are names of cultivars in this class.
Queen
The Queen or "common rough" pineapple is more compact in size and more tolerant of cold. It's become the primary pineapple class in Australia, South Africa and the Philippines. Cultivars in the Queen class are still grown worldwide. Names of cultivars are Natal Queen, James Queen, Egyptian Queen, MacGregor, Alexandria, Kallara Local, Ripley and Calcutta.
Abacaxi
Abacaxi pineapples are often regarded as the most fragrant and delicious of all. They bruise easily and don't make good commercial plants for canning, but are ideal for fresh markets. Today, Abacaxi types are numerous in Brazil, the Bahamas and South Florida. Sugarloaf, Black Jamaica, Eleuthera, English, Brecheche, Sugar Slice, Caicara, Chocona, Congo Red, Santa Marta, Criolla and Panare are names of pineapple cultivars derived from the original Abacaxi pineapple selection.
Tags: Smooth Cayenne, cultivars that, grown throughout, pineapple cultivars