Band 9: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagram below shows the process of growing and preparing pineapples and pineapple products. Write at least 150 words.

The diagram illustrates the process of cultivating pineapples and preparing different pineapple products for commercial use.

Overall, pineapples require warm temperatures and a relatively long growing period before they are harvested. Once mature, they are processed into three main products: juice, canned pineapple, and fresh pineapples for export.

Initially, pineapples are grown from the crown of a mature fruit. These crowns are planted in soil, with each plant spaced approximately 26 cm apart. They are cultivated in warm conditions, ranging from 23°C to 30°C. After around seven months, the plants continue to develop until they reach a suitable size. A further five months is required for full maturity, by which stage the pineapple grows to roughly 30 cm in height and weighs about 2 kilograms.

Following harvesting, the pineapples are washed and sorted before being directed into separate production lines. Smaller pineapples are processed using an extractor to produce juice, which is then packaged in containers or cartons. Medium-sized fruits are peeled, cut into slices or smaller pieces, and subsequently sealed in cans for preservation. In contrast, larger pineapples are coated with wax to maintain freshness, packed into crates, and then transported overseas for export.