White Pineapple: A Favorite Only-in-Hawaii Treat

Pineapples are a wonderfully delicious tropical fruit that have been celebrated for centuries not only for their distinct and unique taste, but also for their amazing health benefits. Pineapples can be eaten fresh, cooked, juiced, or preserved. They belong to the Bromeliaceae family and are actually a composite fruit made of coalesced berries that grow at the crown of a fruiting tree.

White Pineapple at Sage Farms in North Kohala

Why Choose White Pineapple?

Historically, the most significant grower of pineapples has been Hawaii, but they are now cultivated in large quantities in Brazil, the Philippines, and Costa Rica. That being said, the fruit is actually native to Paraguay and Brazil, and possibly parts of the Caribbean, and it’s hard to find these extra-sweet gems outside of Hawaii. 

Here on the Big Island, they’re farmed not by corporations, but only by a small and growing number of local farmers. Depending on which farmer you’re talking to at which market, the low-acid, white-fleshed pineapples could be called Kona Sugarloaf, Big Island White, or simply just White.  

Lucky for us in North Kohala we have Sage Farms (MLS# 276950) in Hawi growing White Pineapple on their farm. They currently have 1,200 white pineapple plants planted and hope to continue expanding. You must taste for yourself how the whites retain all the floral aroma and the taste of their yellow brethren without the sharp tartness. This also means you can devour vast quantities without getting a stomachache or mouth sores. Definitely, a favorite only-in-Hawaii treat!

Row Crops of White Pineapple at Sage Farms in North Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii

Pineapple has huge health benefits due to its wealth of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, beta carotene, thiamin, B6, and folate, as well as insoluble and soluble fiber.

The health and medicinal benefits of pineapple include the ability to improve overall respiratory health, cure coughs and the common cold, improve digestion, help you lose weight, strengthen bones, improve oral health, boost eye health, reduce inflammation, prevent cancer, increase heart health, fight off infections and parasites, improve the immune system, and increase circulation.

More Information

Be sure to check with your local farmers and farmers’ markets for this healthy local delight, and if you would like to see for yourself how it is grown and learn more about White Pineapple, be sure to check out Sage Farms Annual White Pineapple Festival called Hala Kea every July on the Farm in Hawi. The festival boasts music, entertainment, farm tour, best pineapple recipe, and pineapple themed food and drink. For more information, contact Sage Farms at 808-889-0536.

Cheers from the Pina Colada Farm!