pineapples
Ugandan pineapples are famous for their delightful combination of sweetness and subtle tartness.
About the Pineapples
Two key export varieties of pineapple are Smooth Cayenne and Queen cultivars which are produced mainly in the Eastern and Central regions of Uganda. Pineapples are generally available all year round due to the alternating peak seasons between the different regions
We provide high-quality Uganda pineapples to the local and export market. We source our Uganda pineapples from family growers in the country. In Uganda, pineapples come in various varieties such as Smooth Cayenne and MD2. Due to the widespread popularity of the larger Smooth Cayenne compared to the sweeter MD2 cultivar, Uganda maintains a strong position in the global market. Unlike MD2, which faces oversupply issues in Europe from countries like Thailand, Oman, and China, Smooth Cayenne is less cultivated, making it more competitive. Locally, these fruits are referred to as "enanansi," a term that shares etymological roots with the Swahili word "nanasi."
The fruit originated in the southern regions of Brazil and Paraguay before spreading to Latin America, where the Aztec Mayas cultivated it before Columbus's discovery in 1493. It's possible that pineapples were introduced to Uganda by European explorers during pre-colonial times. Pineapples are rich in vitamin C, providing 79 percent of the daily value. Vitamin B-6 follows at 5 percent of the daily value, while magnesium meets 3 percent of daily needs. Each slice also contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber, which aids digestion. This nutrient-rich profile helps manage weight, prevents colds, maintains bone health, and boosts immunity.Sourcing Pineapples
We source Ugandan pineapples from regions in the south like Luuwero and the western part of the country. Additionally, we collaborate with family growers who have small plantations in the centrally located Kayunga district. It's our priority to engage farmers with a strong background in organic farming to ensure the quality of our produce meets international standards.
Harvesting Pineapples
In Uganda, there are two pineapple harvesting seasons: one spans from January to March, while the other occurs between June and August. Pineapples are harvested when they reach a certain solidity, typically around 12°Brix, indicating a firm, semi-solid pulp suitable for the fruit market. Our harvesters rely on various indicators, such as a solid reverberation upon tapping, changes in the color of the eyes, and reaching approximately 127 days since flower formation, at which point the berry turns brownish-yellow for a quarter of its total extent.
We harvest pineapples by using long, pointed knives to cut them at the base. The harvesters ensure to leave three to five-centimeter-long stubs attached to the fruits. Afterwards, the harvested pineapples are placed into clean bags for transportation. Any fruits that do not meet quality standards, such as being immature or diseased, are excluded from the collection. Upon arrival at the packinghouse, the pineapples are sorted into different grades based on their size and overall health.
Pineapple sizes and sorting
When grading Ugandan pineapples, we consider various size criteria as follows: fruits weighing between 2750 grams with a crown and 2280 grams without a crown are categorized as Size A, which comprises most of the fruits in the Extra Class. Size B includes pieces weighing between 2300 grams with crowns and 1910 grams without crowns. The third size, Size C, ranges between 1900 and 1580 grams.
Following size classification, we further sort the fruits based on their appearance. Pineapples that are large-sized, free from blemishes, and exhibit a consistent pear shape are placed in the Extra class. Those fruits that do not meet the standards of this class but are still of high quality form our Class I grade. These pineapples are also healthy, medium-sized, and blemish-free. The third category comprises healthy fruits devoid of any signs of disease or rot, but due to irregular size or shape, they are classified under Class II grade. Any fruits with field injuries or discoloration are directed to the value addition department for juice production.
Packaging, Storage & Transportation
We package Ugandan pineapples in both cartons and bulk quantities, with the option to include or remove the crown from each fruit before sale. For those with crowns, the crown typically represents at least 50 percent of the fruit's height. Bulk packaging is done in clean, well-ventilated containers that adhere to the CAC/RCP 44-1995 code for packing fresh fruits. Our packaging labels comply with the global Codex standards for food transportation, indicating the country of origin, total weight, and shelf life.
To maintain freshness, Uganda pineapples are stored in our cold rooms at a relative temperature range of 7 to 10 degrees Celsius, accompanied by high relative humidity. This storage method preserves the fruits for a minimum of three weeks while retaining their flavor.
During transportation, the fruits are carried in large trucks under controlled temperatures averaging 10 degrees Celsius to ensure freshness. Currently, air transport is utilized for shipments, with packed fruits transported to Entebbe.
In summary, Uganda pineapples are among the finest in East Africa, sourced from small plantations that prioritize natural growth methods, minimal pesticide use, and maximum utilization of farm compost. Available in ample quantities year-round due to irrigation, customers can order multiple tons at competitive rates. To place an order, sign up on our platform today!
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