The Mysterious Pineapple-Looking Fruit Growing on Trees in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its lovely beaches, surfing, and, of course, pineapples. But travelers with sharp eyes may see a strange fruit that looks like a pineapple growing on trees around the islands. This strange fruit looks like a pineapple but is actually a native pandanus, which is sometimes called the “tourist pineapple.” “.
In this article we’ll unravel the mysteries surrounding pandanus how to identify it what it tastes like, how locals use it, and how it differs from pineapples. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll impress your fellow travelers as you explore Hawaii’s lush landscapes. Let’s dig in!
What is Pandanus?
Pandanus trees are abundant across Hawaii, particularly on the windward sides and coastal regions of the islands. There are over 600 species of pandanus worldwide, but Pandanus tectorius is the most common type in Hawaii.
These palm-like trees can grow up to 50 feet tall. Their stilt roots resemble buttresses, giving them a top-heavy appearance. The long, spiky leaves resemble those of pineapple plants. However, unlike pineapple, pandanus trees are either male or female. Only the female trees produce the pineapple-esque fruits.
The Fruits of Pandanus Trees
The fruits that come out of female pandanus trees are made up of many phalanges that have been fused together. The fruits change from green to yellow or red as they get ripe. The tough skin hides sweet, soft flesh that tastes like pineapple.
Early Hawaiians prized pandanus fruit for its medicinal qualities. The fruit acted as a restorative for women after childbirth. Locals also used it to help them go to the bathroom and treat other health problems.
The novelty fruit is mostly eaten by tourists these days. The flavor is milder than pineapple with hints of vanilla. Ripe fruits can be peeled and eaten fresh. The sugars are drawn out when you cook it, giving it a pineapple-banana flavor.
The Useful Pandanus Tree
Beyond producing edible fruit, nearly every part of the pandanus tree proved useful for ancient Hawaiians. Hence its Hawaiian name “hala,” meaning usefulness.
Leaves were woven into sails, mats, baskets, containers, and even clothing. Today, dried pandanus leaves remain a popular weaving material for Hawaiian handicrafts sold to tourists. The plant’s prop roots served as material for tools and weapons.
Hawaiians also used the reddish-orange roots and fruits to produce vibrant dyes. In fact, the flag of Hawaii features colors derived from pandanus.
Pandanus vs. Pineapple
Although pandanus fruit resembles pineapple, the two plants are completely unrelated. Pineapples (Ananas comosus) originate from South America, while pandanus is native to Hawaii and greater Oceania.
Several physical features differentiate the lookalike fruits. Pandanus fruits grow in clustered segments along a core, unlike pineapple’s singular segmented fruit. They also lack pineapple’s easily recognizable spiked leaves and crown.
While both make tasty treats, pineapples are richer in vitamin C and manganese. Pandanus offers a more subtle sweetness but packs less nutritional punch.
Where to Find Pandanus in Hawaii
Lucky sightseers may catch a glimpse of pandanus fruits while driving along Hawaii’s coastal roads. However, don’t expect to find it served in restaurants or sold in grocery stores.
For your best shot at sampling pandanus, head to one of Hawaii’s botanical gardens:
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Foster Botanical Garden (Honolulu, Oahu)
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Maui Nui Botanical Gardens (Kahului, Maui)
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Limahuli Garden and Preserve (Hanalei, Kauai)
The knowledgeable staff can point out on-site pandanus trees and explain more about these intriguing plants. Alternatively, keep your eye out for roadside trees dotted with reddish-orange fruits.
The Takeaway
Part of the magic of traveling to Hawaii lies in encountering the unknown and embracing local culture. Although they may look alike, pandanus and pineapples offer distinct flavors, uses, and stories.
So next time you spot a spiky, pineapple-esque fruit protruding from a tree in Hawaii, take a moment to appreciate the versatile pandanus. Respectfully admiring these heirloom plants perpetuates ancient Hawaiian traditions and deepens your island experience.
Explore the National Park Service
NPS Photo Quick Facts Location: Kūloa Point Trail Significance: Hala Trees
Scenic View/Photo Spot This is the hala grove established by park resource managers to preserve these trees important to Hawaiian people for centuries. Originally hala was the dominant tree in the lowlands here, but is less common today due to invasive species brought to the islands. People often ask the question, “Is that a pineapple tree?” The large fruits do indeed closely resemble pineapples. Trees carrying these fruits are considered female and trees that do not bear fruit, are male. In old Hawaiʻi, hala grew everywhere along coastlines because it does very well in poor soil and rough salty environments. Hala played a very important role in the lives of early Hawaiians. The leaves were used for thatching and weaving. Masters of lau hala created hats, mats, baskets, and canoe sails. Sails made from these lau hala propelled Polynesians thousands of miles across the ocean! Hala fruit could also be eaten in times of famine. The pods of the fruit can be used as a paintbrush and to make lei. Polynesians chose plants like hala to bring to new islands so that they would not only survive but also do well. What about your home makes you feel more at ease? Keep walking and think about where you would build a house along the way.
How to Grow a Pineapple from its Top! Works every Time!
FAQ
What fruit looks like a pineapple but grows on trees?
Here in Hawaii, pandanus fruit are sometimes called the “tourist pineapple” because they resemble pineapple closely enough that visitors sometimes mistake ….
Are pandanus fruits edible?
Aboriginal people eat the fruit once they have ripened to a deep orange-red colour, but getting into the seed is another thing! If you want to try eating the seeds from inside the fruit, wait until they have changed to a brown colour. Place them in a vice and use a saw to gently cut into the nut-like fruit.
Can you eat hala fruit?
Yes, hala fruit is edible. Screwpine is another name for this fruit. It is made up of segments with pulpy flesh that can be chewed or squeezed to get juice.
What does pandan fruit taste like?
Conclusion. An exotic flavour, with its green colour like pandan, may initially seem overwhelming. However, it actually has a mellow almond and vanilla flavour profile that can easily complement well-known flavours and enhance your research and development.