Which city is called the Pineapple City of India?

Calling all pineapple lovers! Imagine a place where the scent of ripe pineapples fills the air, endless green plantations stretch across the landscape, and bustling markets trade tonnes of your favourite fruit every single day.

Seems dreamy, right? Well, what if we told you that there's actually a place like this in India?

In this remarkable corner of southern India, pineapples are not merely a crop - they are the heartbeat of the local economy and culture.

Called the “Pineapple City of India," this town tucked away in a gorgeous southern state has earned this title because of its massive pineapple cultivation and its reputation for producing some of the finest pineapples in the country.

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Drumrolls, please! We are talking about Vazhakulam, situated in the Ernakulam district of Keralam.

Why is Vazhakulam called the Pineapple City of India?

Just like how Muzaffarpur in Bihar is called the Litchi Capital of the World and Nagpur the Orange City of India, Vazhakulam garners attention as one of India’s leading pineapple-growing regions, enjoying the much-desereved fame as the Pineapple City of India.

This region in Keralam is particularly known for the “Vazhakulam Pineapple," a variety recognised with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag due to its distinctive sweetness, aroma, and quality.

The local economy is heavily linked to pineapple farming, processing, and export activities.

The town is also home to one of Asia's largest pineapple markets

The town also hosts one of Asia’s largest pineapple markets, attracting traders and farmers from across Keralam and neighbouring states.

Pineapple cultivation transformed the agricultural landscape of the region over several decades, making the fruit central to the identity of the town.

Major pineapple varieties found in Vazhakulam

1. Mauritius (Kew Mauritius): This is the most widely grown variety in the region and the primary reason for Vazhakulam’s reputation as the Pineapple City of India.

It has golden-yellow flesh, sweet taste with mild acidity, a strong aroma, is medium-sized, and quite suitable for fresh consumption and export.

2. Kew: Interestingly, kew is larger than Mauritius. It has a pale-yellow flesh, juicier texture, and commonly used for processing, juice, and canning.