The Costa Rican mini-pineapple. Sweeter, lower-acid, edible core. The most fragrant pineapple on the bench — drinks like vanilla syrup, no tongue-burn from bromelain.
Ripening & storage
Non-climacteric — eat as-is- Ripeness cue
- Crown pulls out cleanly; base smells distinctly tropical.
- Storage
- Room temp upside-down for a day, then fridge once cut.
About Princess Pineapple
Princess pineapple (Ananas comosus, 'Sugarloaf' cultivar) is the premium small-pineapple variety grown primarily in Costa Rica's Caribbean highlands and parts of Ecuador. Unlike the larger MD-2 commodity pineapple that dominates supermarkets, Princess is bred for sweetness and edible core rather than shelf life and travel.
The fruit is about half the size of a standard pineapple, with a slimmer crown, golden-yellow skin and a notably tender core that can be sliced and eaten along with the flesh. The flavour is sweeter and lower-acid than the imported giants — vanilla, honey and a clean pineapple finish without the metallic edge from raw bromelain.
Ripe when the crown leaves pull out easily and the base smells distinctly tropical. Top, peel, slice into rounds — the core stays with the fruit. Pairs beautifully with rum, lime, and salted butter; works as a dessert centrepiece served chilled.
How to eat
Below are the general steps that work across most kitchens. The description above is the source of truth for any cultivar-specific detail — cross-check before you cut.
1. Check ripeness
Use the cues in the description above. As a rule, exotic fruits do most of their ripening off the tree — give them a day or two at room temperature if they feel firmer than expected.
2. Wash and chill
Rinse under cold water, pat dry, and chill before serving. Cold flesh holds shape better when sliced and brings the aromatic notes forward.
3. Cut, scoop or peel
Follow the technique described above. If in doubt, halve crosswise with a sharp knife and taste a spoonful before committing to a full prep.
4. Pair simply
A squeeze of lime, a pinch of salt, or a drizzle of honey will lift almost any tropical fruit. Match strong cheese, cured meats or yoghurt for a board; keep flavours minimal when the fruit is the star.
From the Pineapple family: Twist the crown off before storing — it actually helps the sugars settle through the flesh.
Buy this fruit
Sourced ripe and graded by hand. UK next-day delivery on every order placed before the daily cutoff.