Meghalaya Kew Pineapples

Meghalaya means "Abode (Alaya) of the Clouds (Megha)". The name describes the climatic phenomenon that brings torrents of rain to this region. Meghalaya is a region of great scenic beauty: a panorama of lush, undulating hills, fertile valleys, waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, and lakes. Tucked away in the hills of the eastern sub-Himalayas, Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Consumer research shows that people like pineapples that are yellowish-green, taste sweet, are big, have a strong flavor, and are soft and smooth. The Meghalaya Kew variety seems to meet all these criteria and stands out among the pineapple varieties available worldwide.

Meghalaya is a special place in the lap of Mother Nature. Besides its breathtaking beauty and lush hills, this northeastern state has the perfect weather for growing a special plant. Pineapple plants thrive in places like Ri Bhoi, East Khasi, and Garo Hills in Meghalaya, as long as the temperatures stay moderate, between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius. The soil here, which is sandy and slightly acidic (with a pH of 5.0–6.0), is just what pineapples love. This unique combination of climate and soil makes Meghalayan pineapples tastier and more nutritious than others, making them a favorite both locally and internationally. People all around the world have fallen in love with them.

Meghalaya pineapples are like nutritional superstars. They are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and important dietary fiber. This makes them a great choice for people who want both delicious taste and good nutrition in their food. These pineapples contain vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. They also have a helpful enzyme called bromelain for digestion. You can enjoy this fruit fresh, as juice, jam, squash, or syrup. In India, many people love canned pineapple slices and juice, which make up more than 70 percent of the total production.

Meghalaya plays an important role in India’s pineapple farming, contributing more than 8 percent of the country’s total pineapple production. In 2019–20, Meghalaya produced 1,38,701 metric tons of pineapples, and this number has been steadily rising in recent years. What makes Meghalayan What makes pineapples special is their unique flavor, and they are known for having juicy and delicious flesh that makes them even more appealing to the senses.

In Meghalaya, there are two main types of pineapples: giant kew and queen pineapple. The Giant Kew variety is known for having a high BRIX value, which means it is very sweet. Meghalaya pineapples are grown using old-fashioned, natural farming methods without artificial fertilizers

or insecticides. This means they have much fewer chemicals and pesticides in them. These traditional farming methods also help protect the pineapples from pests and diseases. However, because Meghalaya’s terrain is quite remote, it costs more to transport the pineapples to trade hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, especially since pineapples are perishable.

At Rare N Fresh™, we are sourcing the kew pineapples from a chosen few farms located in Meghalaya, which follows some of the most sustainable and regenerative farming methods in the country.    These farms have the distinction of boasting some of the sweetest pineapples in India and have been recognized by many  State Governments of India and International entities.