Description

🍍 Pineapple Specifications – General Overview

1. Variety:

• Popular Export Varieties:

  • MD2 (Golden Sweet) – Most preferred for export; very sweet, low acidity, golden-yellow flesh, long shelf life.

  • Queen – Smaller in size, fragrant, very sweet.

  • Smooth Cayenne – Juicy, mildly sweet with slightly higher acidity.

• Indian Varieties: Kew, Queen, Mauritius.

2. Size & Weight:

• Typically ranges from 1.0 to 2.5 kg per fruit.

• Grading by size:

  • Small: 800g – 1.2 kg

  • Medium: 1.2 kg – 1.8 kg

  • Large: 1.8 kg – 2.5+ kg

3. Color:

• External Skin: Greenish to golden yellow (depending on ripeness and variety).

• Flesh: Bright yellow to deep golden color.

• MD2 pineapples are ready for export when fully yellow.

4. Shape:

• Cylindrical or slightly oval.

• Should be uniform and balanced.

• Crown (leafy top) should be green and intact.

5. Taste & Aroma:

• Sweet with a mildly tangy flavor.

• Ideal Brix level (sugar content): 13–18°, indicating natural sweetness and ripeness.

• Strong, pleasant tropical aroma.

6. Packaging:

• Packed in corrugated cartons – usually with 6, 8, or 10 pineapples per box.

• Standard net weight: 10–12 kg per carton.

• Use of foam netting or paper liners to prevent bruising.

• Cartons should be well-ventilated and meet export-grade packaging standards.

7. Shelf Life:

• At room temperature: 5–7 days.

• Under cold storage (8°C – 12°C): 2–3 weeks.

• Retaining the crown helps extend shelf life and appeal.

8. Storage Conditions:

• Ideal temperature: 8°C to 12°C.

• Relative Humidity: 85% to 90%.

• Avoid extreme cold or heat to prevent damage to skin and texture.