Is Pineapple a Citrus Fruit? Let’s find out the answer and more about pineapples in this informative guide!
While enjoying pineapple’s sweet and tangy flavor, have you ever wondered about its connection with citrus fruits? If so, keep reading to discover whether pineapple is a member of the citrus genus or not.
What are Citrus Fruits?
Citrus fruits belong to the Rutaceae family, which includes oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruits, limes, and various other fruits. They are popular worldwide for their flavors, juicy pulp, and high vitamin C content. In addition to cooking, baking, and beverages, citrus fruits are also used widely in household cleaning, skincare, and haircare remedies.
Is Pineapple a Citrus Fruit?
While pineapples and citrus fruits share some common characteristics, like high vitamin C content and tangy flavors, both are not related to each other.
The primary reason is that they have different botanical classifications. Pineapple is a member of the Bromeliaceae family, whereas citrus fruits belong to the Rutaceae family.
Secondly, both have different internal structures and growth patterns. Citrus fruits grow on trees with segmented interiors. On the other hand, pineapples are composite fruits of perennial flowering plants that stay close to the ground. Therefore, pineapples are not related to citrus fruits.
So, What Type of Fruit is Pineapple?
As you know, pineapple is not a citrus fruit, so what’s it? It’s considered a berry, specifically a multiple fruit! This is because multiple flowers are fused into a single fruit to produce pineapples.
Is Pineapple a Man-made Fruit?
Contrary to popular belief, pineapple is not a man-made fruit. It has been grown naturally by South Americans over centuries. However, humans have selectively bred pineapple to produce sweeter and juicier varieties.