Growing a homegrown pineapple from a crown for two years culminates in a uniquely rewarding batch of traditional Trinidadian pineapple chow. This culinary journey highlights the patience required in cultivation and underscores the true value of agricultural labour in producing fresh local fruit.
The article provides readers with an authentic preparation guide featuring standard local ingredients such as chadon beni, garlic, and Scotch Bonnet pepper. By connecting domestic gardening efforts with a classic snack recipe, the piece offers a distinct perspective on farm-to-table food appreciation within Caribbean culture.
Key Takeaways
- Growing a pineapple crown requires a rigorous two-year cultivation period before harvesting fruit for traditional recipes.
- Preparing authentic pineapple chow involves combining fresh bite-sized fruit with chadon beni, garlic, and Scotch Bonnet pepper.
- Home cultivation fosters a deeper agricultural respect and appreciation for the dedication required by local farmers.
We at Sweet TnT Magazine believe that homemade is the best made so we planted the crown of a ripe pineapple expecting that we would be eating Pineapple Chow in no time. What followed was the longest run up to this delicious food recipe. After two long years, the homemade organic Pineapple Chow was finally complete.
Respect for pineapple farmers
We can say it was worth the wait because it tasted sweeter than any pineapple that we had tasted in our lives. Also, it gave a healthy respect of what it took a farmer to get pineapples from his farm to the market.
Below is a simple and tasty recipe for Pineapple Chow, but the next time you go to the supermarket or green grocer, remember it took two years of love and hard work to get that pineapple to you. Bon appetite.
Estimated preparation time: 20 minutes
Serving: 12
Ingredients for Pineapple Chow
1 ripe pineapple
1 lime (to prevent pineapple from turning black)
6 leaves chadon beni
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 scotch bonnet pepper (with seeds)/2 tablespoons pepper sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water

Directions
Remove skin on pineapple and add to large bowl.
Ring the pineapple pulp, cut up into bite size pieces and squeeze lime juice on it.
Chop finely the chadon beni, garlic and Scotch Bonnet pepper.
Add to pineapple the chadon beni, garlic, Scotch Bonnet pepper or pepper sauce, black pepper and salt.
Massage the mixture thoroughly using hands.
Add water to make a sauce and let soak for at least 20 minutes.
Serve Pineapple Chow with Pepper Sauce (see recipe) to make it even hotter.

January 2018 www.sweettntmagazine.com
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