Dole's New Pineapple Is the Best I've Ever Had

Fresh pineapple is a one-way ticket to a stay-at-home vacation. Pineapple's juiciness, tropical flavor, and aroma just cannot be beat. There's a good reason pineapple is a main ingredient in piña coladas, the ultimate getaway cocktail.

When I came across a new variety of pineapple from Dole called the Colada Royale, I was intrigued, to say the least. The fruit made its debut at a global produce show last month and is now hitting supermarket shelves. Dole aimed to release the new variety in time for its 125th anniversary next year; the fruit has been 15 years in the making.

The new pineapple variety is non-GMO and part of their natural breeding program in Honduras. Proceeds from every sale of the Colada Royale will go towards building a community center for farm workers.

The brand describes Colada Royale as "conventionally bred to be gold to green on the outside, cream-colored on the inside and offer distinct notes of coconut and piña colada." And they are spot-on.

Why the Colada Royale Pineapple Is Special

Even before I cut into my pineapple, it filled my kitchen with a beautiful aroma. That only intensified when I cut it up, and I found the interior to be pale yellow and super juicy. Most importantly, it tasted delicious. In fact, it might be the best pineapple I've ever eaten.

My husband agreed, and he loves pineapple. It still has a wonderful pineapple flavor, with extra tropical notes and a lovely sweetness. The size of the fruit and the texture are the same as a standard supermarket pineapple, but a little extra delicious.

We ate most of our pineapple simply as-is, but I did grill a few spears on a hot gas grill until marks formed, then drizzled them with salted caramel sauce for a light but very special dessert. Everyone raved.

Quick Pineapple Tips

If you're grabbing a Colada Royale at the market (or any pineapple for that matter), note that pineapple is picked ripe and does not continue to ripen off the tree. Look for a pineapple that is free of soft and brown spots and has a nice aroma. 

A pineapple will keep for about five days on the counter, and sliced pineapple with keep for up to four days in an airtight container in the fridge.