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 by which pineapples are grown and prepared for different products.

Overall, there are two main stages in this process, starting with the cultivation of pineapples and followed by the preparation of various pineapple products. At the end of the process, the harvested fruit is either made into juice, canned for sale, or exported overseas. While some manual labor is required, several stages involve the use of equipment and special treatment.

The process begins when pineapple crowns are planted approximately 26 cm apart in a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C. After around seven months of growth, the plants are sprayed with ethylene in order to stimulate fruit development. Following a further five months, the pineapples become fully mature, reaching a height of about 30 cm and a weight of roughly 2 kilograms.

Once harvested, the pineapples are washed and sorted according to their size. Small pineapples are processed into juice. Initially, the crown and outer skin are removed before the fruit is sent to an extractor, where juice is produced and subsequently packaged into cartons.

Medium-sized pineapples are used for canning. These fruits are peeled, cut into halves, and then sliced into rings before being placed into cans. Finally, the largest pineapples are coated with wax to preserve their freshness. They are then packed into crates and transported by ship for export to overseas markets.