Most of us are used to seeing pineapples stacked high at the local grocery store, but these spiky tropical treats have quite a history! Originally hailing from the tropical regions of South America, the pineapple’s popularity has helped it spread to warm climates all over the globe.
Columbus and the “Discovery” of the Pineapple
Like so many of our favorite exotic fruits and veggies, we can trace the pineapple’s introduction to Europe back to the Spanish explorers—specifically Christopher Columbus. When he stepped onto the island of Guadeloupe in the 15th century (thinking he’d reached India!), the local residents welcomed him with a pineapple. While he found them there, pineapples were already being cultivated all across tropical South America at the time.
The Ultimate Status Symbol
For a long time, growing and eating pineapples was the ultimate luxury. Why? Because it’s a slow process! It can take up to three years for a single flower to develop into a ripe, juicy fruit. In 18th-century France, this exotic fruit was a symbol of pure extravagance. They were often used as centerpieces on elaborate fruit platters to show off wealth. Believe it or not, back then, a single pineapple could be worth as much as a horse-drawn carriage!
Since only the ultra-wealthy could afford to actually eat them, the pineapple became a bit of a symbol of decadence to everyone else. It wasn’t until the 19th century that things started to change. With the invention of greenhouses (or “glasshouses”), farmers could harvest them year-round. Because pineapple plants don’t grow very tall, they were perfect for greenhouse cultivation even in chilly regions that didn’t have a tropical climate.
Global Cultivation Today
Fast forward to today, and we’re producing nearly 30 million tons of pineapples every year! Costa Rica is the heavyweight champion of the pineapple world, churning out about 3.5 million tons annually. Other major players include the Philippines, Brazil, and Thailand, which each produce around two million tons.
You can now find pineapple plantations in tropical spots all over the map. From Kenya and Taiwan to the warmer provinces of China, these regions grow massive amounts of fruit for export. And the demand just keeps growing! Whether we’re eating them fresh, grilling them, or mixing them into tropical drinks, our love affair with the pineapple is stronger than ever.
