Bay Head Dune Pineapple Harvest Expected by Fall

Beachgoers are used to seeing dune grass growing on the beaches of Bay Head. These plants not only beautify the landscape, but they also reduce sand erosion. Local resident Kiefer Apfel has always appreciated the plants, but wondered if they could do more. "It's just the way I am," he said. "I'm always looking for ways to multitask." Apfel wanted to find out if there was a plant that could grow on the dunes, provide similar benefits to the sea grass, but also provide additional benefits. He decided to do some research and came across something very interesting. 

The Department of Agriculture in Hawaii has developed a plant that can be grown in sandy soil and prevents erosion. It grows quickly and is ornamental, as well. The most unique part of this plant, however, is that it grows edible, mini pineapples! Originally created to allow pineapples to grow in more regions of Hawaii, Apfel realized that the plant could also thrive in Bay Head.

The fruit goes by the commercial name of Tiny Piney. It is less sweet than a full size pineapple, but has a unique, citrusy taste. "Two years ago I contacted the Tiny Piney company and asked if I could order some of their plants. When I told them what I wanted them for, they agreed to send them for free as long as we always refer to them as Tiny Pineys. They believe that it will help grow their brand if we are successful," Apfel said.

Apfel experimented with the plants, making sure they would grow successfully at the Jersey shore. He set up twelve large pots with soil from the dunes and planted the Tiny Piney seedling in each. The results were impressive. "In the first year of testing, 10 out of 12 plants grew, and I got 7 pineapples. Last year was even better. All twelve plants grew and I got 10 pineapples," he said.

With such promising results, Apfel approached the Bay Head mayor and council. Once he explained his plan to them, and served some Tiny Piney upside down cake, everyone was hooked. They agreed to purchase enough Tiny Piney plants to cover one large section of the Bay Head dunes on a trial basis. If it went well, they would consider planting more Tiny Pineys the next season.

When the plants arrived, Apfel, along with family and friends who agreed to help, set to work planting approximately two acres of dunes with Tiny Pineys. Now, after five months of growth, the Tiny Pineys are really taking off.

"The plants have reached maturity," said Apfel. "The mini pineapples will now grow fairly quickly." With luck, the Tiny Pineys will be ready for harvest by late September. The Bay Head council is considering having a Tiny Piney harvest festival if all goes well. 

"I think a festival would be great," Apfel said. "We can have Tiny Piney baking contests, and serve Tiny Piney jams, and even grilled Tiny Pineys!" Apfel realizes that he might be getting excited, but his enthusiasm is contagious. He says that some council members said they see no reason why the Tiny Piney can't make Bay Head the Hawaii of the Atlantic.