Fruit

Ananas comosus

S tier

Ananas comosus is the cultivated pineapple—a tropical bromeliad whose fused fruitlets form a single compound fruit with fibrous-juicy yellow flesh, sharp-sweet balance, and bromelain proteases that tenderise protein and can prevent gelatine from setting. Leaves are spiny or smooth depending on clone; the leafy crown can root as a new plant. Commercial production relies on vegetative slips and crowns, not seed. Fresh rings, grilling, sweet-sour stir-fries, juice, and dried chips all start from A. comosus of some cultivar group. When a recipe says pineapple without a name, this species is meant. Core is tougher and more fibrous; flesh near the shell often tastes brightest. Costa Rica, Philippines, Thailand, and others dominate export.