Today we visited a pineapple plantation in Sarapiquí! The plantation grows and exports organic pineapples from Costa Rica. Within the U.S., retailers like Whole Foods, are a major consumer of organic pineapples from Costa Rica. Since Costa Rica is the world’s largest exporter of pineapples, the production process of pineapple differed significantly from coffee. While both the coffee and pineapple plantations prioritized sustainability, I feel that sustainability was emphasized more during the tour of the pineapple plantation. It makes sense that sustainability would be prioritized for pineapple production since so much is produced, using sustainable practices is more cost effective long term. For example, making fertilizer using products that are produced on the plantation is not only better for the environment but saves money on a chemical based fertilizer. During the tour we learned that they combine things like chicken feathers and water to spray on the plants as a fertilizer. Additionally, they use chili and garlic on the plants as insect repellent. They do this every three days and  this is cost effective because they can produce these products and it would be costly to continue purchasing insect repellent.

Pineapple plantations face similar threats of coffee plantation, such as the unpredictability of weather. Pineapples need a certain climate to thrive and aspects such as rain and temperature can have a major impact on output and quality. In order to mitigate these threats, the farmers use natural fertilizers to promote healthy growth. Additionally, they lay plastic over the fields to control the grass and limit the potential of erosion. They take measures, such as the plastic, to try to ensure a consistent growing condition for the plants and limit the effects of outside influences.

As we toured the plantation today, there was a noticeable difference between the conditions of the pineapple plantation in the lowlands of the Caribbean side to the coffee farms in the highlands. The pineapple plantation was significantly hotter and a more intense humidity. The significantly different climates allow for the best growing conditions for the respective crops. If I were a plantation worker, I would definitely prefer to work on the coffee plantations. While the pineapple was delicious, the weather was so hot at the pineapple plantation and the labor seems like it could be more intense because the fruit is so much heavier.

Getting to try the delicious pineapple was definitely a highlight of the day. I just recently started liking pineapple a couple months ago so today definitely set my standards for pineapple high. Additionally, another high of the day was FINALLY GETTING TO SEE A MONKEY! Throughout all our hikes in Monteverde I really wanted to see a monkey but did not see one. However, as we were touring the plantation today we got to see two monkeys swinging in the trees in the distance. It is difficult to pick whether seeing monkeys or trying the pineapple was more exciting, but the monkey might have to take the cake because I have been looking to see one!