Pineapples

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is an important fruit of India. Pineapple is cultivated in an area of 89 thousand ha and total production is 1,415.00 thousand tons. It is abundantly grown in almost entire North East region, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Bihar, Goa and Maharashtra states.

After harvesting, the fruits are graded according to size, shape, maturity, and freedom from diseases and blemishes. The cut surface is treated with a suitable fungicide to control fungal decay.

When fruits are transported for long distances or to be stored for several days, refrigerated transport is required to slow down ripening process. In tropical areas, partially ripe, healthy and unbruised pineapple could be stored for almost 20 days when refrigerated at 10-130C with RH 85-90%. Fruits harvested in early stage of ripening are stored at 7-10°C. Exposure of pineapples to temperatures below 7°C results in chilling injury. Controlled atmosphere storage (3-5% O2 and 5-8% CO2) delayed senescence and reduced respiration.