The variety with the unusual name is becoming increasingly popular. We take a closer look at the pineapple tomato and reveal how to plant, care for and harvest it properly.
The pineapple tomato or 'Pineapple Tomato' is an integral part of the repertoire of old varieties. We introduce you to the extraordinary tomato in a portrait.
Pineapple Tomato: Profile
| Synonyms | 'Pineapple Tomato' |
| Fruit | Beefsteak tomato; different colors |
| Flavour | fruity, sweet, with pineapple flavor |
| Maturity | late |
| Growth | Stick tomato, up to 180 cm |
| Location | Greenhouse |
Origin and History
The home of the pineapple tomato is probably Kentucky in the USA, from where it was brought to Europe around 1950. Since then it has become a true classic in our home gardens. The pineapple tomato is an old variety and therefore firm to seed. Obtained seeds can be sown the next year, since the varietal characteristics are preserved. This also applies to newer breeds of pineapple tomatoes.
Characteristics and taste of pineapple tomato
Pineapple tomatoes belong to the beefsteak tomatoes, i.e. the largest representatives of the tomato fruits. The fruit vegetable is flat and round, i.e. wider than it is high, and slightly ribbed. Pineapple tomatoes ripen from the beginning of August and are therefore among the late-ripening tomato varieties. When fully ripe, the fruits become very soft and must be eaten quickly. By the way, fruits that are not yet fully ripe also taste very good and can be stored longer. Pineapple tomatoes have an overall very fruity, sweet and mild taste reminiscent of pineapple. The dark and green varieties of pineapple tomatoes are also refreshing with a little acidity. They generally have few seeds in their fruits, which can weigh over a kilogram.
Pineapple tomato varieties
The pineapple tomato shines in a wide variety of colours, both classic yellow-orange and dark shades or even green. We now present the most well-known varietiesbefore.
Black and Blue Pineapple Tomatoes
Black and blue pineapple tomatoes include the two varieties ‘Ananas Noir’ and ‘Ananas Bleu’. The 'Ananas Noir' turns dark red, pink to brownish as it ripens, while the upper side remains olive green. If you cut these large beefsteak tomatoes in half, the whole color spectacle presents itself with nuances of pink, yellow, orange, brown and green.
The variety ‘Ananas Bleu’, which is one of the rare blue tomato varieties, also offers a real play of colours. While the basic color is deep yellow-orange when ripe, the upper side turns deep violet when there is enough sunlight. The blue pineapple tomato is a rather newer variety and very decorative, because its leaves and stem also shimmer bluish-purple.
Yellow and green pineapple tomatoes
The best-known representative of the pineapple tomatoes is the 'Yellow Pineapple Tomato'. When ripe, the marbled flesh delights with the colors yellow, orange and a bright red. On the other hand, the 'pineapple green' is very inconspicuous, as it keeps its green color while the flesh is high aromatic, gently melting and soft.
Planting pineapple tomatoes: tips for the greenhouse and the pot
Pineapple tomatoes love warmth and are therefore best grown in a greenhouse. They are sometimes considered the mimosa among tomato varieties, as they bear few fruits without adequate shelter and warmth. The pineapple tomato is best grown with a single shoot and the stinging shoots in the leaf axils are consistently removed. In the greenhouse, the plants reach an average height of 1.60 to 1.80 meters and therefore also need support. Experience has shown that pineapple tomatoes are less suitable for growing outdoors because they are not as disease-resistant as outdoor varieties. You should get at least a rain shelter or potted shelter on the south face.
Our tip: Use our organic Plantura tomato and vegetable soil for tomatoes in pots. The soil is guaranteed peat-free and specially tailored to the needs of tomatoes and other vegetables.
Harvesting and using pineapple tomatoes
The large, heavy pineapple tomatoes are of course best enjoyed fresh in a salad or on bread. But their size also makes them a great source of fruit for aromatic sauces and soups.
OurTip: Prepare a sun-yellow tomato soup from the classic pineapple tomato and surprise friends and acquaintances!
You can find more tomato varieties in our article "The 60 best tried and tested & new varieties".