What is believed to be the world’s longest pineapple has gone under the hammer for charity in far north Queensland.
Cairns resident Coral-Leah Kemp has spent the last two years tendering to the juicy fruit, which grew to 35 centimetres tall and 6.8 kilograms on her first attempt on growing a pineapple.
She even created an Instagram page for her pride and joy, called pricklypiney.
This gigantic fruit was Cairns resident Coral-Leah Kemp’s first attempt to grow pineapples
‘I’ve been watching this mega pineapple grow for months and had no idea it would get so big,’ she told the ABC.
‘It’s the first pineapple I’ve ever grown and it’s turned into a monster. It’s quite an unusual shape as well.’
While it’s taller than Northern Territory woman Christine McCallum’s effort in 2001, it missed out on the world record for being the world’s biggest pineapple because it’s 1.4 kilograms lighter.
In far north Queensland, pineapple is sold at $2.29 per kilogram, which means the monster fruit would sell for $15.50 if sold at market price.
Ms Kemp parted ways with her beloved pineapple after it was auctioned for $220 on Friday
Ms Kemp parted ways with her beloved pineapple after it was auctioned for $220 on Friday.
‘It is guaranteed to be a talking point atop any table,’ she told the Cairns Post.
The auction was part of the fundraising for Ride for Isabel – which raises awareness and money for Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support (Sands) Queensland.
Ms Kemp is the program director for the annual charity ride, which will be held in July.
‘It’s certainly a unique thing to auction off, but the opportunity to raise much needed funds was too good to pass up,’ she said.
Sands provides support, information and education to anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or after birth.
The unusual pineapple even had its own Instagram account, called pricklypiney