A visit to a pineapple plantation in São Miguel

No visit to São Miguel is complete without tasting the local pineapples. But it is even more fun to visit a plantation, because this is the only place in the world where pineapples are grown in a greenhouse. At Dr. Augusto Arruda’s plantation, close to Ponta Delgada, visitors are welcome to see the full process of production.

Origin

Pineapples are native to Central and South America. At the time of the Discoveries, the Portuguese stumbled upon this tasty fruit and introduced it to Europe. It wasn’t until later, in the nineteenth century, that they came up with the idea of growing pineapples themselves. Until then, São Miguel had been all about oranges, but due to a disease, the harvests failed. Some farmers decided to change course and opted for the pineapple. By the beginning of the twentieth century, it had already become the island’s most important export crop.

Greenhouses

To simulate the same humid and warm climate, greenhouses have been built to grow the pineapples in. A special technique was also discovered by chance, in which the pineapples are smoked in the greenhouse. This means that the young plants are put in a thick smoke for several hours on end, forcing the pineapple to flower. The plantation has several greenhouses, each with pineapples of a certain age. At the seventh stage, harvesting takes place. The pineapples are then 18 to 24 months old.

Pineapples everywhere

During my visit, we were welcomed by an employee who explained everything about the plantation. His tour made it extra fun and interesting. Another very special aspect of the plantation is the huge collection of pineapple items. From crockery to sunglasses and from side tables to embroidered textiles. To finish your visit, of course, you have to taste the pineapple. The plantation makes its own pineapple liqueur that you definitely want to take with you as a souvenir. I still make tropical tiramisu with it at home and of course pina colada!

Address

Plantação de Ananases Dr. Augusto Arruda
Rua Dr. Augusto Arruda
9500-454 – Fajã de Baixo
Ponta Delgada
São Miguel – Azores

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