Appearance:
Size: Queen pineapples are typically smaller than many other commercial varieties (like Kew). They generally weigh between 0.6 kg to 1.5 kg, making them more manageable for individual consumption.
Shape: They are usually cylindrical to slightly conical, with a relatively uniform shape.
Skin (Rind): The rind is often golden yellow when ripe, sometimes with hints of orange or green. It's characterized by prominent, spiny "eyes" (the individual fruitlets) that are relatively deep, which can make it a bit more challenging to peel compared to varieties like Kew with flatter eyes. The plant leaves and crown are also quite spiny.
Flesh: The edible flesh inside is a deep golden yellow to rich yellow color, indicating a good concentration of beta-carotene.
Crown: It typically has a well-formed, spiny crown of leaves.
Flavor Profile & Aroma:
Taste: This is where the Queen pineapple truly shines. It is renowned for its exceptional sweetness, often described as having a distinct aromatic sweetness with a pleasant and balanced acidity. It's not overly tart, making it very appealing to a broad palate. It often has a unique "pineapply" flavor that is more pronounced than some other varieties.
Aroma: A ripe Queen pineapple emits a strong, pleasant, and highly aromatic fragrance, which is a key indicator of its readiness and contributes significantly to its appeal.
Texture:
Crispness: Unlike the softer, more fibrous texture of some pineapples, the Queen variety is celebrated for its crisp, firm, and juicy flesh. It offers a satisfying "snap" or crunch when bitten, which sets it apart as a preferred table fruit.
Fiber Content: While juicy, it's considered to have a good balance, being less fibrous than some wild varieties but retaining a nice structure.
Core: The core is often tender and edible, or at least less woody than in some other varieties, which is a bonus for fresh consumption.
Seasonality & Availability (in Kochi, Kerala):
While pineapples are grown in Kerala (especially the "Mauritius" variety in Vazhakulam, Ernakulam, sometimes referred to locally as 'Kannara'), the Queen variety is also cultivated there, though perhaps less extensively than Kew or Mauritius.
The general pineapple season in India, including for Queen, can vary, but it's typically a summer fruit. In regions like Tripura, Queen pineapples are available from June to August. In Kerala, pineapple availability extends for a good part of the year due to different planting seasons and varieties. You can generally find Queen pineapples in markets in Kochi during its peak harvest season in the region.
Other Notable Characteristics & Uses:
"Table Purpose" Variety: The Queen pineapple is primarily grown and preferred for fresh consumption due to its rich flavor, pleasant aroma, and crisp texture. It's considered an excellent "eating pineapple."
Processing: While excellent for fresh eating, its deep eyes and smaller size can make it less ideal for large-scale industrial canning compared to the larger 'Kew' variety. However, it is still used for fresh juice extracts, jams, and dry fruit snacks.
Nutritional Value: Like all pineapples, Queen pineapple is a good source of Vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), Manganese, Dietary Fiber, and contains the enzyme Bromelain, which aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Adaptability: It's known to be relatively more tolerant of diseases and colder temperatures than some other pineapple types.
GI Tag: The Queen Pineapple from Tripura has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting its unique origin and quality.
In essence, the Queen Pineapple is a highly esteemed variety, particularly in India, cherished for its golden-yellow, spiny appearance, intense sweetness, strong aroma, and notably crisp, juicy flesh, making it a delicious and refreshing fruit for direct consumption.
