Pineapples are a tropical delight enjoyed worldwide for their sweet and tangy flavor.
However, not all pineapples are the same—different varieties offer unique tastes, textures, and appearances.
Whether you’re a pineapple enthusiast or just curious about the different types, this blog will explore 15 distinct varieties of pineapple, highlighting their characteristics and what makes each one special.
List of Distinct Varieties of Pineapple
1. Queen Pineapple
Queen Pineapples are known for their small size and bright yellow flesh, which is exceptionally sweet and aromatic.
They are popular in tropical regions and are often enjoyed fresh due to their intense flavor and juiciness.
- Size: Small
- Flavor: Sweet, aromatic
- Best For: Fresh consumption, desserts
2. Red Spanish Pineapple
Red Spanish Pineapples have a distinctive red-orange skin and a slightly fibrous texture.
They are less sweet than other varieties but are prized for their robust flavor.
Due to their firm flesh, they are often used in cooking and canning.
- Size: Medium
- Flavor: Robust, slightly tart
- Best For: Cooking, canning
3. Sugarloaf Pineapple
Sugarloaf Pineapples are cylindrical and have a white to pale yellow flesh that is very sweet with low acidity.
Unlike other pineapples, they have a soft core that can be eaten, making them highly desirable in tropical markets.
- Size: Medium to large
- Flavor: Very sweet, low acidity
- Best For: Fresh consumption, tropical dishes
4. Abacaxi Pineapple
Abacaxi Pineapples, also known as Brazilian Pineapples, are known for their large size and tender, juicy flesh.
They are exceptionally sweet and have a unique floral aroma.
Abacaxi is often considered one of the best-tasting pineapple varieties.
- Size: Large
- Flavor: Sweet, floral aroma
- Best For: Fresh consumption, tropical beverages
5. Natal Queen Pineapple
Natal Queen Pineapples are smaller than other varieties. They have golden-yellow flesh that is sweet and aromatic.
They are popular in tropical regions and are often enjoyed fresh or used in fruit salads.
- Size: Small
- Flavor: Sweet, aromatic
- Best For: Fresh consumption, fruit salads
6. Pernambuco Pineapple
Pernambuco Pineapples are known for their unique, elongated shape and sweet, juicy flesh.
Their low acid content makes them less tangy than other varieties.
Pernambuco is a popular choice in Brazilian markets.
- Size: Medium
- Flavor: Sweet, low acidity
- Best For: Fresh consumption, desserts
7. Kew Pineapple
Kew Pineapples are one of the largest varieties, with a cylindrical shape and deep yellow flesh.
They are moderately sweet and, due to their high juice content, are commonly used in commercial pineapple products.
- Size: Large
- Flavor: Moderately sweet
- Best For: Juices, canning, commercial use
8. Victoria Pineapple
Victoria Pineapples are small and have a bright yellow flesh that is very sweet and aromatic.
They are often considered a gourmet variety and highly prized for flavor.
Victoria pineapples are typically enjoyed fresh.
- Size: Small
- Flavor: Sweet, aromatic
- Best For: Fresh consumption, gourmet dishes
9. Hilo Pineapple
Hilo Pineapples are a Hawaiian variety known for their sweet flavor and juicy flesh.
They have a low acidity and a tender texture, making them ideal for fresh eating and use in tropical dishes.
- Size: Medium
- Flavor: Sweet, low acidity
- Best For: Fresh consumption, tropical dishes
10. Smooth Cayenne Pineapple
Smooth Cayenne Pineapples are one of the most widely grown varieties globally.
They are known for their large size, juicy flesh, and balanced sweet-tart flavor.
They are commonly used in canned pineapple products and juices.
- Size: Large
- Flavor: Sweet-tart, balanced
- Best For: Canning, juices, fresh consumption
11. Antigua Black Pineapple
Antigua Black Pineapples are unique to the Caribbean and are known for their dark green skin and exceptionally sweet, golden flesh.
They are considered a delicacy and are often enjoyed fresh due to their rich flavor.
- Size: Medium
- Flavor: Exceptionally sweet
- Best For: Fresh consumption, gourmet dishes
12. Pina Blanca Pineapple
Pina Blanca Pineapples have a pale, creamy-white flesh that is sweet with a mild flavor.
They are less acidic than other varieties and are often enjoyed fresh or used in tropical desserts.
- Size: Medium
- Flavor: Sweet, mild
- Best For: Fresh consumption, tropical desserts
13. MD-2 Pineapple
MD-2 Pineapples, or Extra Sweet or Golden Pineapples, are a popular commercial variety known for their bright yellow flesh and high sugar content.
They are less acidic and have a longer shelf life, making them a favorite in supermarkets.
- Size: Medium to large
- Flavor: Extra sweet, low acidity
- Best For: Fresh consumption, commercial use
14. Ripley Queen Pineapple
Ripley Queen Pineapples are small and have a rich, sweet flavor with a slightly fibrous texture.
They are often grown in tropical regions and are prized for their taste and aromatic qualities.
Ripley Queens are typically enjoyed fresh.
- Size: Small
- Flavor: Rich, sweet, aromatic
- Best For: Fresh consumption, tropical fruit salads
15. Singapore Spanish Pineapple
Singapore Spanish Pineapples are known for their reddish skin and sweet, juicy flesh.
They are less acidic and have a unique flavor profile, making them popular in Southeast Asian cuisine.
These pineapples are often used in cooking and fresh eating.
- Size: Medium
- Flavor: Sweet, juicy, less acidic
- Best For: Fresh consumption, Southeast Asian dishes
Conclusion
Pineapples come in various fascinating types, each offering unique flavors, textures, and uses.
Whether you prefer the sweetness of the MD-2 or the aromatic qualities of the Victoria, there’s a pineapple variety for every palate.
Understanding these different types of pineapples can help you choose the best one for your recipes and enjoy the tropical fruit at its finest.
