Australian researchers have managed to create a new pineapple that doesn't taste like an ordinary pineapple, but rather like a coconut, ABC News reports.
The new pineapple, called AusFestival, has been dubbed the "piña colada pineapple" and will potentially - as local media noted - preclude people from having to mix fruits in the famous cocktail. It is likely to be commercially available in two years.
According to the report, the scientists from a government agency in Queensland did not actually intend to create the coconut flavor, but were rather trying to develop a new variety of sweeter pineapple.
The researchers, led by senior horticulturalist Garth Senewski, have been working on the variety for a decade, in cooperation with a commercial backer. They hope to start planting the pineapples for commercial sale, and for blending into pina coladas, within the next two years.
"Taste tests tell us that [it] is a winner - it has this lovely coconut flavor, which you won't find in any other pineapple in Australia," horticulturalist Garth Senewski told the Australian Broadcast Corporation, via the Daily Mail. "It's sweet, low acid, very juicy," he added.
"We're looking for a nice flavored pineapple." Commercial developers are currently in the process of multiplying this wonder fruit, and expect it to be available to the public in about two years.
However, I do have some concerns about consuming genetically modified foods due to safety issues. Here is an article of interest:
http://www.organicauthority.com/foodie-buzz/hawaii-battles-gmo-industry-takeover.html