One of the most popular tropical fruits here at Mojamix is the sweet, sharp, golden pineapple. It’s got quite a taste, and quite a backstory.
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The first account of the pineapple was given by Christopher Columbus and his men, who landed on the island now known as Guadeloupe on their second voyage of discovery. Columbus brought the succulent fruit back to Europe in 1493. By 1642, pineapples were grown by the Duchess of Cleveland and France’s Louis XIV had it grown in the greenhouses of the Versailles vegetable garden. The plant was brought to the Hawaiian islands by the Polynesians and formally discovered there by Captain Cook in 1778. It remained an expensive delicacy until after the advent of the steamship and after World War II.
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To the Carib, the pineapple symbolized hospitality, and the Spaniards soon learned they were welcome if a pineapple was placed by the entrance to a village. Seafaring captains used to impale fresh pineapples–souvenirs of their lengthy travels to tropical ports–atop the porch railings of their homes when they returned. It was a symbol then that the man of the house was home and receiving visitors.
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During early Colonial days in the United States, families would set a fresh pineapple in the center of the table as a colorful centerpiece of the festive meal, especially when visitors joined them in celebration. Today you can find fine examples of this detail throughout many historic homes and churches around the world, especially around main entrances and walkways, staircase finials, bedposts, headboards, and fireplaces. And if you’re really lucky, in your cereal.
