History of Pineapples

When Colombus introduced pineapples to Europe, they became very popular. During those times, pineapples literally crowned the most important banquets. They were often held aloft on special pedestals. Ships brought the preserved pineapples from the Caribbean islands like expensive ornaments. The fresh pineapple fruit was even more costly and difficult to obtain as only few faster ships could deliver fresh pineapples in a good condition, and that also if the fruit could survive the climate. Pineapples became a celebrity fruit and a curiosity for epicureans and horticulturists as well. It is believed that the Spanish introduced the first pineapples to Hawaii, in 1527, on the Big Island. Then, it is believed to have spread in Asia and West Indies. It took two centuries of efforts for the European gardeners to be able to find a method for growing the pineapple plants. Thus, up to the 16th century, the pineapple remained uncommon.