The Coveted $400 Rubyglow Pineapple Is Back, Just in Time for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of year known for splurging a little bit. We spend a little extra on the best gifts, and are probably currently adding prime meats and wines to the holiday dinner shopping list.

If someone really loves pineapple – like really – perhaps a nice splurge gift idea for them this season will be the returning Fresh Del Monte Rubyglow pineapple, a gorgeous and rare red-shelled pineapple, that boasts a smoother flavor with minimal acidity. The pineapples sold out earlier this year almost immediately, and cost almost $400 apiece at Melissa’s Produce.

If that sticker shock is, well, shocking, know that it’s not the most expensive fruit out there. In 2016, a pair of Hokkaido cantaloupe sold for $27,240 at auction.

If you’re pining after it, the Rubyglow pineapple will be back beginning December 1, and again it promises to be in limited quantities and sell out super quickly. But as there’s probably also limited quantities of those prepared to shell out that kind of cash for a pineapple, that could work out pretty well.

The pineapples are especially rare, and pricy, because of the time and effort that goes into growing them. This blend of a traditional and Morada variety of pineapples were cultivated in Costa Rica from a limited seed supply and grows over a period of two years.

For those that think shelling out $400 for a pineapple is a bit too steep – we’re with you there – there’s also the equally beautiful Pinkglow pineapple, which sells for about $15. That price tag is still more than what you may be normally spending on a single piece of fruit, but if you’re looking for something special for your holiday gatherings, the Pinkglow might fit the bill.

Of course, traditional pineapples are out there, too, and affordable – and still very delicious!

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