Their pulp tastes wonderfully sour and refreshing. It is therefore reasonable to assume that pineapple is a citrus fruit. You can find out here how the botanical classification actually works.

Five reasons pineapple isn't a citrus fruit

No botanical expertise is required to see the stark differences between a pineapple and a citrus fruit. Take a look at a pineapple's profile for the first clues. Below we have compiled five significant arguments that support a differentiation between pineapple and citrus fruits:

  • Pineapples belong to the bromeliad family - citrus fruits belong to the rue family
  • Pineapples are rooted in the ground - citrus fruits thrive on the branches of trees or shrubs
  • Pineapple is a fruit compound - citrus fruits thrive as individual berries with a waxy skin
  • Pineapple flowers are self-sterile - citrus flowers only fruit after pollination
  • a pineapple plant only blooms once - citrus trees bloom every year

Last but not least, it is the unique property of also having roots in the leaf axils that clearly distinguishes pineapples from citrus plants. Clever hobby gardeners take advantage of this fact by quickly growing a new pineapple plant from the cut-off leaf crown.

Five similarities that connect pineapple and citrus

Given the following analogies, the common equating of pineapples and citrus fruits is not surprising:

  • they come from the tropical regions
  • as non-climacteric fruits they do not ripen
  • they are rich in vitamin C and other minerals
  • Growth from flowering to harvest takes an average of 6 months
  • they have a short storage time of a few days

In terms of cultivation, both pineapple plants and most citrus plants are hugely popular as decorative potted plants for large living spaces and conservatories. They make the same demands on their location as well as on an adequate water and nutrient balance. Temperatures below 16 degrees Celsius are just as difficult for them as calcareous water or insufficient humidity.

tips and tricks

From a culinary point of view, pineapple and citrus fruits offer a harmonious taste experience. They are excellent for preserving to eat as a delicious compote, refreshing cake topping, invigorating juice or sweet spread.

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