Delight of Azores Pineapples: A Tropical Treasure
Did you know that São Miguel Island is one of the few places in the world where pineapples are grown in greenhouses? The island is home to around 6,000 plantations, and while not all of them are open to the public, some welcome dozens of visitors every day where you can learn all about the history and production of this exotic fruit.
In this article, we will explain the history and importance of this fruit in the Azores, the steps involved in growing pineapples in greenhouses on São Miguel Island, the main greenhouses to visit, and an irreverent experience that combines the production of this incredible fruit with well-being!
Pineapples were first introduced to the Azores in the mid-19th century as a purely ornamental plant. However, with the decline of the orange trade, a major export from São Miguel Island, there was a pressing need for a new cash crop. This led to the construction of the first greenhouses, where pineapples began to be cultivated in pots. The success spread beyond Ponta Delgada and other plantations sprang up in places like Vila Franca do Campo, Ribeira das Tainhas, Ponta Garça, Lagoa, and Ribeira Grande.
São Miguel's pineapples enjoyed a golden age in the early 20th century. Thriving greenhouses produced a bounty exported to Europe, generating significant revenue. However, the devastating blows of World War I and World War II severely disrupted this prosperous trade. As the island rebuilt, tourism emerged as a more prominent economic driver, gradually surpassing pineapple production. Today, these unique Azorean pineapples are primarily enjoyed locally and by tourists visiting the beautiful São Miguel Island.
In 1919, Augusto Arruda transformed his family's orange orchard into São Miguel Island's oldest pineapple plantation, Plantação de Ananases A. Arruda. Now a popular visitor destination, it's one of the Azorean pineapple plantations and greenhouses that offer tours and a taste of this local treasure. Besides Arruda, the Plantação de Ananás dos Açores and Ananás Santo António are also worth visiting.
Azores pineapples grow in unique whitewashed glasshouses, mimicking their South American origins. Young plants undergo a "smoke operation" at 4-6 months - smoke triggers flowering for a uniform harvest. Greenhouses are sealed with smoke for a week, reaching 40°C to trigger blooming. Only the best pineapples hit the shelves: vibrant orange, sweet-tart, a feast for the eyes, while the other pineapples are transformed into liqueurs, jams, or juices. The journey takes 18-24 months, but we can testify that the end result is well worth the wait - a unique sweet and slightly acid flavor.
In addition to tours, some greenhouses offer a unique 'pineapple bath' experience, allowing visitors to soak in naturally warm water surrounded by these tropical plants!
Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!