Food - Drink
The Rare Pineapple Variety Said To Be The World's Sweetest
By CASSIE WOMACK
The Antigua Black
The Antigua Black pineapple is one of the world’s rarest pineapples, and they are exclusively grown on the coast of the Caribbean island Antigua. Despite its name, the pineapple isn't actually black, and while it looks similar to other pineapples, it has an exceptionally high sugar content and remarkably sweet flavor.
History
All pineapples originated in South America, but in the 17th century, pineapples were brought to Antiqua, where the island’s unique climate and nutrient-rich soil helped the fruit flourish and gave it a unique flavor. Today, the fruit is grown year-round, but production is limited as farmers take pride in quality over quantity.
Taste
People who've tasted the Antigua Black pineapple claim it has a flavor like no other, with a crisp texture and sweet flesh, and remarkably, even the pineapple’s core is sweet and soft. Thus, it’s no surprise that the fruit is often featured in Antiguan dishes and cocktails, but many say it's best eaten fresh.
Recipes
Caribbean cuisine is full of creative, flavorful dishes, often with fruit as a main ingredient, and across Antigua, you can find pineapple incorporated into dishes and drinks. Antigua Black pineapples are featured in cocktails like the Barbuda Sands, as well as recipes like gazpacho soup and chicken stew.
Buying the Fruit
Since Antigua Black pineapples don’t ship well, you’ll have a tough time finding them outside of Antigua and its neighboring islands. Even if you travel to Antigua, getting your hands on one might be difficult because production is limited, so your best bet would be outside tourist locals, like a roadside stand or local farm.
Nutrition
Pineapple is fat-free, cholesterol-free, high in fiber, and contains a whopping 131% of your daily vitamin C. However, people with diabetes should be mindful of the fruit’s sugar content, and people taking blood thinners, antibiotics, and sedatives should avoid the fruit because its bromelain content can interact with medications.