Ananas comosus - Super sweet pineapple

It was an incredibly educational and enjoyable trip that I will remember for a long time. Last weekend, my #PhytoRG research group had the wonderful opportunity to visit a local MD2 pineapple farm, which is conveniently located near the picturesque area of Yan, Kedah. During our visit, we delved deeply into the fascinating world of MD2 pineapple cultivation in Malaysia. We explored the entire process, starting from the initial seeding phase, where we learned about the specific conditions required for optimal growth, to the meticulous methods of maintaining the plants throughout their lifecycle. We also gained insights into the farming practices that ensure a healthy yield, including pest management and irrigation techniques.

Furthermore, we engaged in discussions about the harvesting techniques employed to ensure that the pineapples are picked at their peak ripeness, which is crucial for achieving the best flavor and quality. Our visit also provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain management involved in bringing these delicious fruits from the farm to the market. We learned about the logistics of transporting the pineapples, the importance of proper storage conditions, and the various distribution channels that help deliver this tropical delight to consumers.

In addition to the educational aspects of our visit, we took the opportunity to share some of our own research interests with the farmers and farm managers. This exchange of knowledge was mutually beneficial, as it allowed us to connect our scientific work with practical agricultural applications. We also had the exciting chance to participate in the harvest ourselves, collecting some fresh pineapple samples to bring back to our laboratory for further processing and analysis. Of course, the highlight of the trip was tasting the pineapples straight from the farm. I can confidently say that it was the sweetest pineapple I have ever tasted, bursting with flavor and juiciness that is simply unmatched by store-bought varieties!

Currently, our research group is engaged in several innovative projects focused on bioproduct development, specifically targeting the valuable bioactive compounds found in pineapple byproducts. We are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance our extraction processes, formulation techniques, and both chemical and biological testing methodologies. Our goal is to sustainably transform the underutilized crop and its byproducts into high-value health-promoting bioproducts that can benefit consumers and contribute to environmental sustainability. By harnessing the potential of these byproducts, we aim to create products that not only provide health benefits but also help reduce waste in the agricultural sector, thereby promoting a more sustainable approach to farming and food production.

To Mr Farhan and the rest, thank you for the warm hospitality and till we meet again.

🍍Fun fact about this pineapple. The MD2 is a variety of pineapple that is known for its sweet taste, bright golden color, and long shelf life. It is sweeter than other varieties, ripens evenly, and grows to a uniform size. The MD2 pineapple has a high brix (14 and more) and low acidity (0.4 to 0.45%).

To know more about our research work on pineapple, let connect 🤗

#bromalin #farm #phytochemistry #bioresource #university #research #pineapple #sustainability