When it comes to fruit, most people think of common colors like red, yellow, orange, green, or purple. However, there are actually a number of fruits that can be pink! In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most notable pink fruits that exist.
What Causes Pink Color in Fruits?
The pink color in some fruits is caused by the presence of certain plant pigments. The main pigments that produce a pink hue are carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains.
Carotenoids are organic pigments that are naturally occurring in plants and some other photosynthetic organisms. Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid that gives watermelon and pink grapefruit their distinctive color. When present in lower concentrations, lycopene produces an orange, pink, or red shade.
Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments in plants that belong to the flavonoid group. They are responsible for producing the blue, purple, and red colors seen in some fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and flowers. The amount of anthocyanins present determines the exact shade, with higher concentrations creating darker reds and lower concentrations appearing pink.
Betalains are a class of red and yellow pigments known as betacyanins and betaxanthins. They produce vibrant pinks, reds, purples, and yellows in fruits and vegetables of the order Caryophyllales, which includes cactus fruits, beets, amaranth, and bougainvillea.
List of Pink Fruits
There are a number of fruits that can develop a pink coloration:
| Fruit | Description |
|---|---|
| Pink grapefruit | Pink and red grapefruits get their color from lycopene. The shade depends on the variety and level of lycopene. |
| Watermelon | Watermelon flesh can be nearly white to deep red depending on lycopene content. Light pink varieties are lower in lycopene. |
| Guava | Some guava varieties have light pink flesh. Pink guavas are common in tropical regions. |
| Pink lemons | A result of genetic mutation, pink lemons have pink rinds and pink-tinged juicy pulp. |
| Pink pineapple | Pineapple can develop a pink blush when grown in certain conditions. It remains sweet and juicy. |
| Pitaya (dragon fruit) | Several dragon fruit varieties have bright pink skin and flesh. |
| Pink pear | A delicate pink-fleshed mutant of European pears. The soft, sweet flesh has a rosy tone. |
Some other fruits, like pomegranates, rhubarb, and cactus fruits, can also have pinkish hues.
Pink Grapefruit
One of the most popular pink fruits is pink grapefruit. It gets its rosy color from lycopene, which accumulates in the flesh.
There are several varieties of pink grapefruit:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Ruby Red | Deep pink flesh with a sweet, bold flavor. One of the reddest varieties. |
| Flame | Pale pink interior with a sweet, tart taste. Also called “Pink Marsh.” |
| Rio Red | Reddish-pink flesh with few seeds and a mild, slightly tart flavor. |
| Star Ruby | Bold pink flesh with a bittersweet flavor, intense aroma, and distinct grapefruit zest. |
Compared to white grapefruit, pink and red varieties tend to be lower in acidity with some added sweetness. They have high vitamin C levels and are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene.
Watermelon
Watermelon is another popular fruit that can display pink shades depending on the variety. Most watermelons have a firm, juicy red flesh, but there are also cultivars bred to have light pink or orange flesh.
Some examples of pink-fleshed watermelon varieties include:
– Cream of Saskatchewan – Pale pink flesh with a mild sweet flavor
– Desert King – Bright pink flesh with a crisp, sugary flavor
– Golden Crown – Peachy pink flesh with a honey-like sweetness
– Moon and Stars – Pink flesh speckled with tiny yellow spots
– Sangria – Light pink flesh with high sugar content
These pink watermelons tend to be lower in lycopene compared to red varieties but still make for a tasty, refreshing treat in the summer heat. The lighter color is simply a genetic variation.
Nutrition of Pink Fruits
Pink fruits retain most of the same nutrients as their normally-colored counterparts. For example, pink grapefruit has very similar nutrient levels to white and red grapefruit.
However, the intensity of the pink color generally correlates with certain antioxidants:
| Nutrient | Function |
|---|---|
| Lycopene | A carotenoid antioxidant that reduces risk of cancer, heart disease, inflammation, and more |
| Anthocyanins | Flavonoid antioxidants that may improve heart health and cognition |
| Vitamin C | Boosts immunity, acts as an antioxidant, aids collagen production |
Therefore, pink fruits with a deep pink color tend to be highest in health-promoting compounds. But even light pink varieties contain beneficial nutrients.
Selecting and Storing Pink Fruits
When shopping for pink fruits like grapefruit, guava, or dragon fruit, look for ones with bright, vivid color. Dull or brown spots indicate a loss of freshness. The flesh should seem firm and spring back when gently pressed.
For pink grapefruit, choose fruits that feel heavy for their size, which indicates higher juice content. Small brown seeds on the surface are normal. Avoid grapefruit with soft spots or an overly flatted shape.
Once purchased, most pink fruits can be ripened at room temperature and then stored in the refrigerator. Grapefruit, pineapple, and lemons keep best at room temp. Avoid leaving cut fruit out too long before refrigerating to prevent mold growth.
With proper selection and storage, you can enjoy these exotic pink fruits at their antioxidant-rich and vitamin-packed best!
Conclusion
While not the most common fruit color, various plant pigments can produce pink shades in some interesting fruits. Pink grapefruit, watermelon, guava, and dragon fruit are among the most popular pink varieties. Their unique color comes from antioxidants like lycopene and anthocyanins.
Pink fruits offer very similar nutrition to their regularly-colored counterparts. However, deeper pink colors tend to indicate higher levels of certain beneficial compounds. With their tropical vibe and dose of healthy antioxidants, pink fruits can be a fun, nutritious addition to the diet.