Yes, pink pineapple is indeed real.
While not as common as traditional yellow pineapples, pink pineapples exist and are commercially grown. They are not a product of artificial coloring or genetic manipulation gone wrong, but rather a specific variety developed through bioengineering. Del Monte, a major fruit producer, even holds a patent for their pink pineapple variety. This means it's a legitimate agricultural product available, albeit with limited distribution compared to standard pineapple varieties.
The pink hue comes from the presence of lycopene, the same antioxidant that gives tomatoes and watermelons their red color. In regular pineapples, lycopene is converted into beta-carotene, which gives them their yellow flesh. In pink pineapples, this conversion is reduced, leading to the accumulation of lycopene.
Therefore, pink pineapples are not just a myth or a novelty item; they are a real, scientifically developed variety of pineapple.
