Pineapples are a symbol of hospitality
Though whole pineapples cost only a few dollars at the store, the tropical fruit used to be a symbol of status and luxury in Europe. ⬤ The fruit was brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus after a 1493 expedition to Guadeloupe, according to Historic UK. ⬤ Because of their rarity, unique flavor and reputation as a sign of hospitality in the Americas, pineapples became a well-known sign of opulence. Some imported pineapples were reported to fetch the modern equivalent of $8,000, according to iHeartRadio’s Ridiculous History podcast.
Where do pineapples grow?
Pineapples are indigenous to South America and the Caribbean, but they are grown in large quantities in tropical Asia as well. According to Statista, the top three countries for pineapple production in 2021 were Costa Rica, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Today, pineapples can be grown almost anywhere in the world, according to Tropical Permaculture. Despite their need for tropical conditions, pineapples are well-suited to growing in pots, which makes them much easier to grow indoors than many other tropical fruits.
To grow a pineapple outdoors, though, you'll need an area that is warm and sunny all year. In the U.S., pineapples grow best in USDA Zones 11 and 12, which includes Hawaii, Florida and Puerto Rico.
How do pineapples grow?
Despite the common misconception, pineapples don’t grow on trees.
Pineapples are a type of flowering plant known as bromeliads, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s horticulture department. The pineapple is the only bromeliad that can produce edible fruit, according to Better-Gro.
Pineapples are most often propagated from vegetative growths of another pineapple plant, according to University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science Extension. To grow a pineapple at home, MasterClass recommends planting the defruited crown of a pineapple plant in a
6- or 8-inch pot after allowing the plant’s stem to sprout roots in a small jar of water.
When grown in a suitable environment, a pineapple can take 18-24 months after planting to produce a fruit that is ready to eat, according to the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension.