Ananas pingouin (Bromelia karatas)

Family: Bromeliaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Bromelia karatas is an evergreen Perennial growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant flavour. — The very young inflorescences are eaten as a vegetable.; The fruit is edible.; A pleasant flavour.; It is used in the preparation of a refreshing drink called 'Atol de Pina'.

Habitat & North American Range

Marginal forests bordering savannahs and in deciduous forests, at elevations of 1,300 - 1,500 metres. (Zone 10)