Rural producers from Marataízes, in the south of Espírito Santo, are using an old technique to protect pineapples from the heat of the last few days, dressing the fruits with paper. “If it weren’t for the paper we use to cover the fruit, a field like this would have already lost around 90% [of its production],” said one grower.
The practice of covering the fruit with paper is common among producers, but had to be brought forward because of the heat wave that hit Brazil in November 2023. According to Maria Maitan, technician from the National Rural Learning Service of Espírito Santo (Senar), care on hot days also makes pineapple more expensive.
“The covered fruit receives less sunlight, so it is protected and does not burn or cook the fruit. If the producer has to take care of the fruit since harvesting, this also makes the product more expensive”, explained the technician.
Source: abrafrutas.org