Fresh Del Monte Pinkglow Pineapple Rum Punch
Del Monte is responsible for the new blush-hued fruit, and it’s available online. Officially called the Pink Glow Pineapple, it originally made headlines four years ago when the brand’s request to create it was approved by the FDA. Back then, the fruit was called the rosé pineapple. It was created by genetically modifying the enzymes in the fruit. Now (finally), they’re on the market! In the U.S., you can purchase your very own pink pineapples from two online retailers: Melissa’s (serving the West Coast) and Tropical Fruit Box (serving the East).
How is the Pinkglow™ Pineapple grown?
These pineapples are grown and harvested by hand. In order to generate new crops, the crown of the pineapple must be planted. If you purchase the pineapple you’ll receive it without the crown (green leafy part on top)! This is all in effort to reduce waste and produce more pineapples. It takes roughly 20-24 months to grow a pineapple, so you can imagine how much love and care goes into each of these fruits!
Are there any sustainability measures being taken?
As mentioned above, in order to reduce waste and increase production, Fresh Del Monte is currently planting the crown of the Pinkglow™ Pineapple. Fresh Del Monte Produce’s largest pineapple growing operation, Pindeco Pacifico, has been certified by SCS Global Services as carbon neutral meaning they cut more carbon than they emit. Fresh Del Monte Produce has designated nearly 10,000 hectares as protected areas that offset some of the emissions by taking in carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere. Lastly, more than 15% of Fresh Del Monte Produce’s global energy comes from renewable resources!
What makes the pineapple pink?
The Pinkglow™ Pineapples contain lycopene, which is a natural pigment that gives some produce their color (think tomatoes and watermelon). Although the pineapples are grown normally, bioengineering was used to turn off the enzyme that naturally metabolizes lycopene to beta carotene, which is what gives traditional pineapples their familiar yellow pigment. By turning off the enzyme, more lycopene accumulates within the fruit, resulting in a pink-colored pineapple!
What does the Pinkglow™ Pineapple taste like?
Pinkglow™ is super juicy, sweeter, and less sour than a normal pineapple. It has a delicious and unique taste, with notes of candy pineapple aromatics! As someone who loves creating drinks at home, I can attest to the fact that the pink pineapple rum was punch is delicious and refreshing. The possibilities are endless with how you can use the Pinkglow™ Pineapple and I’ll be excited to see everyone’s creations!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 2
INGREDIENTS
1 cup raw sugar
½ cup water
1 Tbsp Angostura bitters
2½ cups White Oak Rum
½ cup lime juice
½ cup other citrus juice of choice (Guava, Orange, Passionfruit, etc)
Mint
INSTRUCTIONS
In a small saucepan, dissolve water and sugar on medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a pitcher, combine rum, juices, bitters, and syrup.
Fill glasses half-full with ice. Pour punch. Garnish with mint and enjoy!
