Pineapple

Description.

Pineapple is widely grown throughout the tropics and in warm locations in the subtropics. Pineapples in Kenya are mainly grown in Thika, Malindi and Kisii.

The most important variety "Smooth Cayenne" is grown commercially in Kenya for both fresh market and canning.

Pineapple is grown for its fruit that is eaten fresh, as dessert, in salads; processed into juice, jam, dried fruits and preserves (crystallized and glace fruit); cooked in pies, cakes, puddings; or used in sauces.

Fruits are also canned as slices, spirals etc. Dried pineapple slices are becoming a popular snack in Kenya. The by-products of canning can be used as cattle feed or to produce pineapple wine or vinegar.

In the Philippines and Taiwan, the fibers from the leaves are woven into a fine cloth. The fruit has high sugar content and is rich in vitamins A and C.