Pineapples

The History of Pineapples

The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is native to South America. From time immemorial it was part of the South American Guarani Indians' everyday diet. The first Europeans who saw pineapples were on Columbus's second voyage. In 1493 they came across pineapples on the island of Guadeloupe where the native people used it for food and also for decorating homes. They would hang pineapples outside their huts as symbols of hospitality.

Spanish and Portuguese traders managed to distribute pineapples over the whole world. Already by the middle of the 17th century pineapples were being grown in China and South Africa. At about the same time pineapples became fashionable in Europe and were seen as a symbol of success and wealth. Delivering pineapples to Europe from Southern countries was impossible due to the absence of regular sea transport. Therefore they had to be grown in special heated greenhouses, which only the wealthiest Europeans could afford. It even became popular to have carved pineapples for the tops of gateposts to house driveways, some of which can still be seen today in Spain and France.

The pineapple is one of the hardest tropical fruits to cultivate. It grows slowly (pineapples take about 18 months to grow from seed to a plant with a mature fruit) and it is very sensitive to temperature. If the air in the plantation drops below 18.5°C the maturing process is delayed and the fruit can become too acidic. There are even difficulties concerning pineapple harvesting. Neither colour nor size is a reliable indicator of whether the pineapples are ready to pick so the growers have to rely on their own experience and the sugar level, which is tested in the field. In addition the pineapple is very prickly and can only be picked when wearing special protective clothing.

Pineapples and Health

Pineapples are rich in vitamins А, С, Е, В1, В2, В12, РР, carbohydrates and minerals such as manganese which is very important for the body's metabolic process. However, interest in pineapples increased after scientists started talking about bromelain, an enzyme found in the fruit. Bromelain breaks down proteins, improves the work of the bowels and helps them fight against harmful bacteria, cleans vascular walls and the liver and decreases blood pressure. Bromelain can also be useful in reducing blood clots and helps to speed up the digestion of antibiotics.