Though whole pineapples only cost a little over $2 at Walmart as of March 2024, the tropical fruit actually used to be a symbol of status and luxury in Europe.
The fruit, which was only available in South America and the Caribbean for much of history, 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 quickly 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?
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 areathat is warm and sunny all year. According to HGTV, pineapples grow best in USDA zones 11and 12in the United States — including Hawaii, Florida and Puerto Rico.
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.
How do pineapples grow?
Despite the common misconception, pineapples don’t grow on trees.
Instead, pineapples are actually a type of flowering plant known asbromeliads, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s horticulture department. The pineapple is the only bromeliad that canproduceedible fruit, according to Better-Gro.
Pineapples are most often propagated from 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 de-fruited crown of a pineapple plant in a six or eight-inch pot after allowing the plant’s stem to sprout roots in a small mason jar of water.
When grown in a suitable environment, a pineapple can take 18-24months after planting to produce a fruit that is ready to eat, according to the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension.
Pineapples as a source of conflict
Like many goods popularized globally by colonizers, pineapples have a complex history.
Especially in Hawaii, the cultivation of pineapples represents an oppressive force on indigenous island-dwellers. The conditions of Hawaiian annexation are inextricably linked to the financial interests of white businessmen, who overthrew indigenous Hawaiian authorities in the late 19th century.
One such businessman, Sanford Dole, played a key role in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, which allowed the business interests of white settlers in Hawaii to flourish. It was under these conditions that Sanford Dole’s cousin, James Dole, built The Hawaiian Pineapple Company, which is now the Dole Food Company, according to Newsweek.
What is the healthiest fruit?:This one has cognitive and cardiovascular benefits
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Where do sesame seeds come from?" to "How many elephants are left in the world?" to "Is V8 juice good for you?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.
