What Is Pink Pineapple and How Do You Cook With It?

Pink Pineapple seems to be everywhere, but what is it? The fruit, developed over a decade ago, was bioengineered by produce giant Del Monte, which specifically cultivated and grew the plants in Costa Rica. Yes, they're GMOs, but the FDA approved the now-patented Pinkglow pineapple, which is currently sold throughout the U.S. and Canada, back in 2016.

Pink pineapples are shipped from coast to coast, thanks to online grocers and food distributors like Baldor Foods, Umamicart, Tropical Fruit Box, and more retailers, and specialty supermarkets, like Wegmans, also carry them. Once you get your hands on a pink pineapple, here's what to do with it.

What Is Pink Pineapple?

"Pink pineapples are known for having a unique light pink color and a super juicy, sweet taste," explains Andrea Xu, founder and CEO of Umamicart, an Asian grocer that sells pink pineapple (among many other products). From the outside, pink pineapples look similar to their yellow-hued counterparts with golden prickly skins and green leaves, so you'll want to check the label or product description to confirm the color of the flesh inside.

"What jumps out for these pineapples is obviously their beautiful cotton candy pink flesh, but there's so much more than that," Xu says. "These are the sweetest and juiciest pineapples I've had. In my Chinese household, I grew up seeing my mom soak regular pineapples in salt water to get rid of the super sour notes. Pink pineapples don't have that super sour taste, so you can peel them and enjoy right away."

Another major perk to pink pineapples: They're often sold without the crown to reduce shipping footprint, as they are exclusively imported to the continental U.S.

Nutritional Benefits of Pink Pineapple

Pink pineapple is beautiful and novel, and if that's what it takes to eat more fruit, that should feel nutritionally beneficial enough! Beyond the obvious, pink pineapple is high in vitamin C—which is great for your immune system—has substantial fiber, and is free of fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

How Long Does Pink Pineapple Stay Good For?

You'll want to purchase your pink pineapple pretty close to when you plan to enjoy it. Xu says that your fresh pink pineapple can go into the pantry (or another cool place without direct sunlight) for up to three days, or sit whole in the fridge for about 48 hours. Once you cut it, the fruit lasts for up to a week in the fridge (covered and sealed) and up to three months in the freezer. At that point, you won't want to defrost it, but rather use it in smoothies, frozen desserts, or cooked dishes.

How to Cook With Pink Pineapple

Pink pineapple is good on its own, but it's super fun to play with in the kitchen. Xu typically uses pieces in fruit salads, or freezes leftovers for smoothies. Pretty much any recipe calling for pineapple can also use pink pineapple (yes, even as a pizza topping), but if there's any sweetener called for in the recipe, you may want to reduce the amount.

Pink Pineapple Recipes

Ready to cook with pink pineapple? Let the recipes below inspire you to get creative with the colorful fruit!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Hello, gorgeous! Using pink pineapple, or even alternating between rings of pink and yellow pineapple, makes for a gorgeous hue on this tropical cake.

Shrimp and Pineapple Tacos

Pink shrimp goes so well with pink pineapple. Add some red salsa for a stunning, monochromatic-style meal.

RELATED: 7 Tips for Making the Best Homemade Tacos

Glazed Chicken and Pineapple

When pink pineapple hits the grill, it gets even more gorgeous. Try it with this sweet soy-glazed chicken that's perfect on a warm night.

Sparkling Pineapple Ginger Ale

This easy-to-mix recipe uses pineapple juice and soda to make an island-worthy refreshment for all ages. Add spears of pink pineapple for wow factor, and feel free to spike the punch for a party vibe.

Carrot Pineapple Smoothie

Use your pink pineapple, fresh or frozen, to make this healthy smoothie even brighter in color.