Ryan's Environmental Science Blog: Maui Gold Pineapple

HUMMMMMM PINEAPPLE!!!!

Maui Gold Pineapple(MGP) is grown across 1,350 acres on the slopes of Haleakala, on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The pineapples are grown exclusively on the island using traditional methods, and are organically grown using sustainable agriculture methods. These Pineapples are greatly apart of the culture here, and have been proven to be healthy and nutritious.

The local farms of Maui Gold Pineapple Company were started by former Maui Pineapple Company employees over 25 years ago, and have continued to preserve traditional methods used on the island.

The MGP Company has made great efforts and has been innovative, when it comes environment impact and local sustainability. At the main headquarters a grey water reuse program has been implemented and the water is reused as irrigation water for seed cane. In addition, those fields that have become fallow are being held over to a Reforestation Project that is planting of native plants, to keep local species populations steady.

Not only are pineapples super juicy and delicious, they are very very nutritious. They are a rich source of vitamin C; according to the MGP website “ They provide 100% of the daily recommended value and three times the vitamin C of traditional pineapples.” Vitamin C is known to help build protection with the immune system and cardiovascular health. Along with the rich vitamins they contain a protein-digesting enzyme that is only found in pineapples, that is capable of being treating inflammation and indigestion.

One awesome thing that I found on the MGP website and inspired me to try it on my own was how to grow our own pineapple in just 18 months!!! The instructions below are from site.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• The crown (top) of the pineapple

 • A pint canning jar or other glass container 

• A 12-inch diameter pot 

• Potting soil that drains well

PLANTING DIRECTIONS:

• Cut the crown from the pineapple just above where the stem comes out of the top of the body 

• Remove any of the fruity part of the pineapple from the crown 

• Pull off the outer leaves of the crown, leaving 6 to 8 big leaves near the center 

• Set this shoot aside for 2-3 days to dry out 

• Put the shoot in water (about 1/2-inch deep; water shouldn't touch the leaves)

 • Place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight for a few weeks to encourage roots to develop

 • After you see the roots beginning to grow, transplant the crown to a medium-size pot containing soil that drains well 

• Place the pot in a bright location and water your plant daily 

• Once the young plant is established, pour a cupful of well-balanced, diluted, water-soluble liquid fertilizer into the top of the plant once a month.

Your plant should develop a red bud after about 12 months. From this stage, the pineapple fruit will begin to develop and in three to six months, it should be ready to enjoy!

Another cool thing that guy with the tasty pineapple is my uncle!