The Beauty and Ugliness of Pineapple

Living in Costa Rica has given us a unique perspective on pineapples. These tropical fruits, which many people only encounter in supermarkets, are a significant part of our landscape and economy here. Let us share what we've learned about pineapples since making Costa Rica our home.

At our finca, we've had the pleasure of watching pineapples grow. It's a fascinating process that takes about 18 to 24 months from planting to harvest. Did you know that pineapples are actually bromeliads? In the wild, they often grow between tree branches, but commercially, they're cultivated in vast fields.

Each pineapple is a marvel of nature. What we consider a single fruit is actually a fusion of hundreds of individual flowers. In the wild and at our finca, hummingbirds and bats pollinate these flowers, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these ecosystems. What makes this fruit truly special is not only its flavor but the intricate pattern of the fruit itself. Pineapple’s scales (called "eyes") are arranged in a stunning Fibonacci spiral, a mathematical sequence that appears throughout nature. This extraordinary design begins when the fruit is still purple or pink, developing inside the plant’s spiny green leaves. Pineapple is not just food; it’s a masterpiece crafted by nature.

Costa Rica is one of the world's largest pineapple exporters, and the industry has a significant impact on this country. While pineapples contribute to its economy, there is a bitter taste to this sweet fruit. The fields of Costa Rica are often tended by Nicaraguan migrants who work under incredibly tough conditions. Many of these workers suffer from long hours bent under the searing tropical sun, handling fruit whose sharp leaves can cause cuts and injuries. Yet, they are paid meager wages. Companies like Pindeco, a subsidiary of Del Monte, dominate the industry in Costa Rica. Reports of labor abuses, exploitation, and poor working conditions are rampant, as these companies seek to maximize profit at the expense of worker well-being. Pindeco’s presence has brought to light the darker side of the pineapple industry, where the quest for cheap fruit comes with a human cost.

The environmental impact is devastating. Costa Rica, sadly, has been reported to be the largest user of agrochemicals in the world, with the pineapple industry being a significant contributor. Chemicals like Paraquat are still used, despite being banned in many countries due to health and environmental risks. Moreover, the expansion of pineapple plantations has led to deforestation. It's estimated that over 5,000 hectares of forest have been cleared illegally for pineapple cultivation. This not only affects biodiversity but also contributes to soil depletion and water pollution in surrounding communities.

But not all pineapple farming is destructive. Organic and sustainably sourced pineapples are the solution to this huge problem. These methods avoid harmful chemicals, use crop rotation, and employ more eco-friendly practices that help restore soil health. Living in Costa Rica, we've made it a point to support these sustainable practices.