Get a taste of island living with homegrown pineapples. From their juicy sweetness to their myriad of health benefits, pineapples are the perfect addition to your garden and diet. Boost your immune system, support digestion, and strengthen your bones while basking in the tropical vibes of your pineapple paradise.
According to Nomaswazi Ntshingila, an intern plant pathologist from the department of agriculture in KwaZulu-Natal, pineapples are a sweet-tasting fruit with a high concentration of soluble sugars and citric acid, which is a good source of vitamins that promote the immune system strengthening.
She says compounds present in the pineapple include carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and the bromelain enzyme.
“Carotenoids in the pineapple are a source of vitamin C which is beneficial in boosting our immune system to fight against bacterial infections and other ailments in our bodies.”
Nomaswazi Ntshingila
Ntshingila explains that essential minerals present in pineapple include copper, which is good for the immune system and red blood cell health; potassium, which promotes healthy liver function; and magnesium, which is good for blood and nutrient absorption in cells.
Colourful and healthy
“Other health benefits include antioxidant, digestion, and anti-inflammatory benefits that are facilitated by phenolic compounds and polysaccharides present in the pineapple.”
She notes that phenolics, such as flavonoids responsible for fruit colour and other important features in fruits, vegetables, and cereals, have a scavenging ability for free radicals in the body that can increase the risk of developing health diseases in humans.
The bromelain enzyme is found in all parts of the pineapple in varying concentrations; however, its benefits remain the same, explains Ntshingila.
Bromelain is a good enzyme source for protein digestion in the body, and studies into bromelain’s medicinal uses have shown it to be effective for the absorption of medicine in the human body without adverse effects, she says. As such, pineapple is beneficial in maintaining a healthy diet, as the high water content in the fruit is advantageous.
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Pineapple farming
Nthabeleng Pebana, a crop science specialist based in Cape Town, says pineapples thrive in warm areas with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It requires full sun for 6-8 hours daily and well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5. Pineapples also require frequent watering but cannot withstand waterlogged conditions.
Pebana says the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are South Africa’s largest pineapple producers. The Eastern Cape, particularly Bathurst and East London, is the leading producer due to its warm climate and moderate rainfall, which are suitable for pineapple cultivation, she adds.
Pebana says the fruit can also grow successfully in Mpumalanga’s Lowveld region and Limpopo’s Vhembe and Mopani regions.
“The ideal season to plant pineapples is during warmer months.”
Pebana explains that pineapples can be planted from September to December in subtropical regions such as KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, with a preference for the first half of the season (September to October) to take full advantage of the long growing period before the onset of cooler weather.
“Pineapples can be planted at the same period in warmer, drier regions such as Limpopo.”
Nthabeleng Pebana
However, because these areas are susceptible to hot, dry conditions, planting early (September) is recommended to allow the plants to establish before the peak heat of summer.
Soil preparation
Before planting, the soil should be tilled to improve aeration and drainage, as pineapples are sensitive to waterlogging, advises Pebana.
“Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, enhances soil fertility and structure, promoting healthy root development.”
She adds that applying a balanced fertiliser during preparation will provide essential nutrients for robust plant growth.
Further, Pebana notes that pests like the pineapple mealybug and diseases such as heart rot can significantly affect yields, especially in warm, humid regions like KwaZulu-Natal.
Water management is crucial, particularly in drier regions, where irrigation systems such as drip irrigation can optimise water use while preventing root rot.
Pebana further notes that unpredictable weather conditions, including unexpected frosts or extreme heat, can be managed by adjusting planting times, selecting appropriate cultivars, and using protective measures like mulching.
Tailoring these strategies to South Africa’s diverse climates helps mitigate risks and improve crop productivity.
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