Pineapple-Harvest and storage

Pineapple reaches flowering stage in 18-20 months. Fruits require 105 to 130 days to reach maturity. At maturity the colour of lower portion of fruit turns green yellow.

Eyes on the fruit becomes smooth or flat and they buldge on the sides. Eye bracts become loose and turn brown in colour. Mature pineapple will have 12% T.S.S., 0.5 to 0.6% acidity and specific gravity 0.98 to 1.02.

The fruit is cut clean, retaining with it about 5 cm of the stalk. For transport, the fruits are wrapped up in straw and packed in bamboo baskets or crates in one or two layers.