t ni: c u r. a u e v i i: w 



Pineapples, Ceiba, Province of Oriente 



PINEAPPLES 



One <>f the industries that has risen to importance during recent years in Cuba 

 is the growing of pineapples. Considerable areas are devoted to this fruit in the 

 Province of Havana, on the Isle of Pines, and in the Province of I'inar del Rio, 

 especially about the district contiguous to Artemisa in Pinar del Rio. Cuba's pine- 

 apple exports amount to more than $1,000,000 annually, and the local consumption 

 is very large. 



In addition to being eaten in the way familiar to Americans, the fruit is grated 

 and cooked with sugar until it is almost candied, this being a favorite "dulce" or 

 sweet to be enjoyed after dinner with the coffee. Large quantities are consumed in 

 th* cafes, where a "pina fria" is a favorite drink. About a fourth of a pineapple 

 is pounded to a paste with a pestle, some water mixed with it and shaken up, and the 

 pulp put in a hand colander or press and the juice squeezed out. Wafer and sugar 

 are added, enough to till a large idass. This is one of the most popular and refresh- 

 ing native drinks in Cuba. 



Pineapple growing does nor require any great amount of skill, capital, or cultiva- 

 tion. Tlie returns are reasonably certain and. compared with some other crops, 

 quick. Land for pineapple growing, in proximity to railroad transportation, may be 

 bought at from sin to $30 an acre. 



Now that the pineapple growers in Cuba are coming to realize the importance of 

 co-operation in the marketing of their product, ami of more modern methods of cul- 

 ture, including proper fertilization, Consul Wolcott reports that the financial returns 

 are much better than heretofore. It has been proven that proper fertilization has 

 the greatest influence on the flavor of the fruit and its shipping qualities, and under 

 favorable conditions it has been demonstrated that as tine a quality of fruit may be 

 grown in Cuba as is produced anywhere in the world. 



