PINEAPPLE, NANAS

The native home of pineapple is eastern South America. The Malaysian name nanas and the scientific name Ananas as well as other names are derived from the Tupi India name Nana. There are many cultivated varieties of pineapple. The most important commercial varieties in Malaysia fall into two group those for canning ( Nanas Merah and Nanas Hijau) and those for eating raw ( Nanas Sarawak and Nanas Moris). Nanas Sarawak medium-sized with pale yellow flesh and thick central woody core. Those of Nanas Moris are small, with fairly bright yellow flesh and thin central woody core. They are usually very sweet and perhaps the best for dessert. The fruits also forms one of the main ingredients of a local salad preparation called rojak. It also makes excellent jam.