On The Land
15 October, 2022
Spooky Pines ready to carve
QUEENSLAND pineapple growers are urging Aussies to swap pumpkins for pineapples this spooky season.
The Spooky Pines custom was introduced six years ago and has since grown in popularity, carving a pineapple doesn’t leave any waste - you can eat the flesh of the pine straight away, refrigerate it to use in your favourite recipe, or freeze it for smoothie.
To help in the tradition, Pure Gold Pine-apples has released limited-edition Spooky Pines, available on major supermarket shelves across Australia throughout October.
The special pineapples come with a Spooky Pines tag and a QR code for carving instructions.
General Manager of Tropical Pines Anthony Dobson said it was great to see Australians embracing the pineapple carving tradition last year.
“Last year we saw a great take up of Spooky Pines and we’re thrilled that the community is really starting to embrace this new Halloween tradition,” he said.
“Given the farming challenges over the past year - floods, rising fuel prices, a huge increase in fertiliser costs - and now the anticipated third La Nina event - pineapple farmers are going to be particularly challenged towards the end of this summer.”
Mr Dobson said extra rainfall usually resulted in smaller pineapples, which meant a reduced price at market, and the fact that pineapples took on average 18 months to harvest gave growers a unique set of challenges.
“We hope consumers will keep supporting us and remember to pick up a pineapple for Halloween and enjoy a sweet treat of fresh pineapple once they have carved it.”
