Azores Pineapples - Unique in all the World
January 01, 2014
Once oranges were king in the Azores – helping ward off scurvy, and making a wonderful holiday gift. In fact, in the 19th century, winter oranges were so popular in London, they were called St. Michaels. But time changed, and the need for a substitute to the orange led to a boom in growing pineapples in the Azores. While there was no tropical sun, the new crop needed a warm soil rich in organic matter – and that led to pineapple greenhouses – which are unique to the Azores.
Today São Miguel by most estimated has about 6,000 greenhouses. It takes 2 years to raise the pineapple from flower to fruit, and lots of smoke to fertilize the plant as it grows. And, the Ananaz – or Azorean pineapple is unique with its small crown and intense flavor.
And, not only are there pineapple cakes, sugared pineapple, pineapple liqueur, but pineapple jams and pineapple garnish on roasted meats. Want to see for yourself, just visit the open-to-the-public A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation on Sao Miguel – just a few minutes from downtown Ponta Delgada. Rue Drº Augusto Arruda - Fajã Baixo – 351-296 384 438
How long does the walk from Sao Miguel Park Hotel to the Arruda Azores Pineapple Plantation take?
Posted by: D | January 20, 2014 at 12:02 PM
It would be about 20 minutes uphill by foot - or 5 minutes by taxi - and they would wait for you.
Posted by: JHS | January 20, 2014 at 12:29 PM
We would like to know if there are any Arrudas today at the Arruda Azores Pineapple Plantation. We will be visiting there in June. My grandfather, Francisco Arruda, worked on an Arruda pineapple plantation in Ponta Delgada around 1900 before he came to the United States. We are wondering if it is the same plantation and if we have any Arruda relatives there. We just want to say "hello."
Posted by: Robert Cunha | April 09, 2014 at 12:06 PM
who does import yours pineapple in USA(east coast)?
Posted by: Jose F Borges | September 11, 2014 at 01:46 PM
I hope to visit Sao Miguel next year and wonder if the Arruda Pineapple Plantation was where my granddfather worked before coming to the United States about 1919? His name was John Machado Arruda. I believe my great-grandfather (last name Mederios) also worked there at the same time. I know they lived in Arrifes. I also wonder if there is a plantation in Arrifes? Would appreciate your help. Thank You.
Carol-Ann
Posted by: Carol-Ann Rahl | May 22, 2015 at 10:56 AM
Trying to find a importer of Pineapple Liqueur from the Azores.
Posted by: Joe | January 07, 2017 at 12:50 PM
http://www.saraivaenterprises.com is an importer
Posted by: Portugal Adventures | January 07, 2017 at 01:35 PM
This message is for Robert Cunha. I believe his grandfather is my grand uncle and would like to be able to contact him
Posted by: Patricia Arruda Paquette | January 27, 2017 at 12:58 PM
I believe that my great grandfather was one of your liquor tasters in the late 1800's and early 1900's... his name was Manuel Mello Carrillo and his wife Maria Merces. When my grandfather, his son went to the army there he changed his last name to Pontes. (don't know why) Anyway, would you have any record of that of my great grandfather working there?
Also they said that when he walked home he would sing opera very loud through the streets.. to much liquor, ha ha ha!
email: [email protected]
Facebook: Margie Flanagan (Eureka, CA)
Posted by: Margie Flanagan | April 15, 2017 at 12:14 AM
does anyone know if there is a list of all the pineapple plantations on sao Miguel island? One of them was founded by my great grandparents (who ive never met) and I would love to be able to track down which one belonged to them (if it even still exists). my grandmother was Hilda Oliviera, it was her parents who founded the plantation....
Posted by: Crystal Fairburn (Perry)-(Perriera/Oliviera) | December 05, 2017 at 06:29 PM
How can i ship or import Pineapples too Amsterdam?
I really love the fruit...
So if you now how that works that would be 100 procent GREAT !!
Posted by: JAN KAMPS | June 28, 2018 at 04:56 PM
My family visited Sao Miguel 2 years ago and I could not get enough pineapple! It is so delicious, unlike any pineapple I ever had. Can you tell me how I can get some shipped to the United States?
Posted by: Brenda Powers | September 09, 2018 at 08:49 AM
To Patricia paquette : l live in Stuart Fl.
Bcunha1@ Comcast.net
Please contact us if you get this message.
Francisco Aruda was my grandfather. His brother lived in Providence RI.
Bob and Louise Cunha
Posted by: Bob Cunha | January 02, 2019 at 03:49 PM