Tea Party Diva - Life & Craft

Sir Walter Raleigh called the pineapple “the princess of fruits”.

Symbol of Hospitality
In the 18th Century, the pineapple began to symbolize hospitality in Europe, the U.K. and America. Pineapple motifs carved above doorways and gates signalled a warm welcome. This tradition was copied from the Native Americans, who hung pineapples over the entrance to their homes.

Table linen, furniture, art and coats of arms often featured the pineapple motif. Even today, the pineapple is a popular motif in decor. Whole pineapples are also used in table arrangements.

Early Explorers and Pineapples
Columbus came across pineapples in the West Indies. Early sailors used pineapples and oranges for their Vitamin C, to fend off scurvy on the long sea voyages. Sailors plying the world trade routes were largely responsible for the introduction of the pineapple to Europe.

King Louis XI and the Pineapple
Growing excotic fruit and vegetables such as pineapples and potatoes became a fashionable pastime amongst the wealthy. It is said that biting into a prickly pineapple without first peeling it, King Louis XI of France, cut his lip. He then banned the growing of pineapples in France.

Origin of the Word Pineapple
The Spanish called the pineapple “Pina” for its pine cone like appearance. The “apple” part comes from its sweet juiciness, like that of an apple. The French and Dutch call it “ananas”. This comes from the Brazilian word meaning “excellent fruit”.

Jean de Lery, a Brazilian, waxed lyrical about the pineapple, saying,

the gods might luxuriate upon it and it should only be gathered by the hand of a Venus.

Pineapple Growing Today
Pineapples grows in tropical and semi tropical climates. Large producers include Hawaii, South America, Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia. The plants grow above the ground, taking about two years to fruit.

Try our recipe for Moist Pineapple Cake With Coconut Crunch Topping. This is an especially moist cake which I make often. It keeps for a few days.

Entertaining, Fruit