The Ormoc pineapple is one of Leyte’s most popular agricultural crops. It is also known as the Queen Pineapple, recognized for its small size and savory sweetness. It is not just celebrated as one of their primary agricultural products, but also a symbol of the city’s strength and resilience amidst natural calamities and challenges. 

This article outlines a couple of intriguing facts about the queen pineapple, from its characteristics to pineapple plantations, and how they are celebrated in Ormoc City.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Ormoc Pineapple

• The Queen Pineapple is a dwarf pineapple.

Dwarf pineapples around the world are naturally smaller than the average variety. It usually weighs only 450 to 950 grams, compared to the 2.5 to 3 kilogram Smooth Cayenne/Hawaiian variety. It is just as versatile, however, and can also be used to produce food and drink byproducts and piña cloth. 

• It tastes especially sweet.

The winning trait of the Ormoc pineapple is its exceptional sweetness. It is best eaten fresh to truly appreciate its taste. This is the reason why the queen pineapple is made into fruit drinks, jams, and snacks. Local shops like Mayong’s and Lea’s Pie create various pineapple-based baked goods, like pineapple pie, a crusty dessert filled with soft and sweet pineapple. 

• Ormoc pineapples make great souvenirs.

When you think of Ormoc delicacies, the queen pineapple has to be at the top of your list. This golden fruit can be found at any fruit stall, market, or supermarket in the city. You can also get pineapple products and pastries to diversify your souvenirs for family and friends.

• There are pineapple plantations both in and out of Ormoc City.

Ormoc pineapple plantations are scattered all throughout Region VIII. For Leyte province, plantations are particularly concentrated in Ormoc City, Baybay CIty, Javier, Kananga, and Villaba in Leyte province. In total, the region’s pineapple land totals 229.78 hectares.

Sal’s Pineapple Plantation in Ormoc is the largest and most famous in the city, frequented by tourists year-round. It is approximately 100 hectares, producing a daily yield of around 6,000 pieces during harvest season. It takes one full year to grow a queen pineapple, so it is unlikely that you’ll find much on fruit stalls during some months; but when the season rolls in, the city is usually filled with various queen pineapple harvest. 

• Locals celebrate the Piña Festival in honor of a bountiful harvest.

The most bountiful harvest of the Ormoc pineapple is during the month of June. It is also just in time for the Piña Festival, a local celebration held every June 24th to pay homage to the city’s patron saints, as well as honor the rich harvest of the year. Festival activities include golden-clad street performances, dance competitions, Parade of Lights, a beauty pageant, and a grand food bazaar.

The Ormoc pineapple is a must-try for every visitor. Don’t miss a chance to taste and savor the remarkable sweetness of the queen pineapple, or even tour a plantation. Take home a part of Ormoc’s culture and pride.

ALSO READ: 6 Must-Try Ormoc City Delicacies

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