A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation

Located just outside of Ponta Delgada is the A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation which you’re able to visit for free. You’re able to peak inside the greenhouses and see the different stages of the pineapple growth. Inside the gift shop we were also able to sample pineapple liquor and buy a few pineapples to take back with us. Yum!

From Boston.com (Yes, Boston.com – there is a connection between the city and the islands. There are many Boston residents wtih Azorean ties. Boston is actually the only US city with a direct flight to the Azores!):

Pint-sized but packed with flavor, Azorean pineapples are special. Since the sub-tropical islands don’t benefit from hot equatorial sun, the small-crowned fruits are grown in greenhouses, which are intentionally filled with smoke to help catalyze simultaneous flowering. You can peek inside the whitewashed A-framed structures—with pineapples blossoming in various stages—at A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation, just outside of Ponta Delgada. Each pineapple takes two years to mature, but thankfully you won’t have to wait that long to taste one. Sweeter and more succulent than their larger, tropically grown siblings, they are readily available in liquor or jam form and are often incorporated into desserts. But if you’re a purist, order a fresh slice and savor it just like candy.

Arriving at A. Arruda Pineapple Plantation

Pineapple tiles

A. Aruda: Welcome to the pineapple plantation “A. Arruda”. This pineapple production in glass greenhouses is unique in the world and typical from S. Miguel Island. We hope you enjoy. Thank you.

The glass greenhouses

Augusto Arruda 1888-1964

Baby pineapple