Australian Scientists Develop Coconut-Tasting Pineapple

Australian researchers are working on a new breed of pineapple -- one that is not only sweet and juicy but which has the added tropical taste of coconut.

In what is thought to be a world first, the Department of Agriculture in Queensland state is in the final stages of developing the new variety of the fruit, to be known as the AusFestival pineapple.

"Taste tests tell us that AusFestival is a winner -- it has this lovely coconut flavor, which you won't find in any other pineapple in Australia," horticulturalist Garth Senewski told the ABC in comments aired Wednesday.

"It's sweet, low acid, very juicy."

Senewski, who could not be reached for comment, said the researchers did not initially intend to create a pineapple that tasted like coconut.

"When we're doing the breeding, we're not actually looking for a coconut-flavored pineapple or any other particular flavor," he said.

"We're looking for a nice flavored pineapple. We're looking for a variety that is sweet, low acid and aromatic."

The Department of Agriculture confirmed the development to Agence France Presse but said anyone hoping for a "pina colada" pineapple will have to wait as it will be two years before the first trees are planted commercially.