Cades Bay Black Pineapple Country

The Antigua black pineapple is a small variety, sweeter and less acidic than the commercial types, grown mainly on the free-draining volcanic soil around Cades Bay in the southwest, and it is the national fruit. An agricultural station operates there and roadside stalls sell the fruit through the season. Despite the name the flesh is pale gold; the black refers to the skin colour before ripening. The main crop comes in around May and June.

What you actually see

• The pineapple fields - the crop grown on the volcanic soil of the southwest.
• The roadside stalls - fruit sold along the coast road in season.
• The variety - a small sweet type distinct from commercial pineapple.
• The agricultural station - the government operation working on the crop.

When to go

The main crop is around May and June, with fruit available more widely from spring. Outside the season stalls sell other produce. December to April is the dry season generally.

Honest expectations

Fruit is seasonal and the main crop is in the wet months rather than the tourist season. There is nothing set up for visitors beyond stalls. The pineapples do not travel well.

Nearby

Darkwood Beach is south, and Jolly Harbour is north.