Where Do Pineapples Come From?

Pineapples are indigenous to South America and eventually spread to the Caribbean.  They are known as a symbol of hospitality and friendship.  They are fragrant, golden, and delicious. They are most often associated with the tropics and even some tropical drinks. Despite their name, they do not originate from conifers nor are they descendents of Johnny Appleseed.

Today Asia, Thailand and the Philippines top the list of pineapple producing countries, closely followed by Brazil in South America. However, the chief producers are not necessarily the chief exporters. Peru, in South America, and Costa Rica, in Central America, have recently been the top exporters of fresh pineapple, followed by Cote d’Ivoire in Africa and the Philippines in Asia.

The origin of pineapples can be traced to Paraguay and southern Brazil, in South America.  The natives of the area spread the plant throughout South America, into Central America, and over to the West Indies. 

The pineapple was numbered among one of Christopher Columbus’s discoveries.  He took pineapple to Spain after he found the fruit on Guadaloupe in 1493. Pineapple was instantly popular, especially among sailors, because it was delicious and it offered protection from scurvy because of its high levels of vitamin C.

The Spread of Pineapples

Pineapples were found to be easy to grow, so after Columbus took them to Spain, pineapples circumnavigated the globe. They were introduced in the Philippines, China, Hawaii, and Guam in the early 1500s.  Pineapples reached the English shores in the mid-1600s.  

Most often, people associated pineapples only with Hawaii, but pineapples originated outside of Hawaii and have spread around the world. 

The first pineapple plantation in Hawaii was launched on Oahu by the Dole family in the late 1800s. The plantation still exists, and many people are familiar with Dole’s canned, fresh, or frozen pineapple products.  

Where Do Pineapples Grow?

Another common misbelief about pineapples is that they grow on trees like coconuts. In fact, pineapples grow on a rather low-slung bush-type plant.  Pineapples are bromeliads, which means that they grow above ground; have long, stiff leaves; and brightly-colored flowers. 

While plants like Spanish moss are also bromeliads, pineapples are unlike other bromeliads in that they produce edible fruit. Pineapple can be grown nearly anywhere, as they are adaptable to warm climates, greenhouses, and even container gardens.

Varieties

There are currently over 2000 varieties of pineapple in the world today. Most of those varieties were developed or indigenous to the Americas. Other varieties have been developed because they are easy to ship without damage or spoilage. The Smooth Cayenne variety is the type grown most often in Hawaii; consequently, it is the variety most easily found in United States grocery stores.  

Pineapples are easy to grow in all tropical cultures, but the plants are very flexible. They can be grown in any area, but they are not frost tolerant. You may be able to grow pineapples in your own garden if you live in an area that does not receive frost or wintry weather. You can even grow a pineapple indoors in a container.  The plants need very little water, they grow in most well-drained soil types, and they grow in sun or partial shade. 

To get started, all you need is the top of a pineapple. Remove the flesh of the fruit from the top, as well as the lower leaves. Dig a small hole and put the pineapple top into it, firming the soil around it and watering slightly. (Make sure that it sits up straight and does not lean). 

Simply wait for the plant to grow and watch your fruit ripen, which can take up to 24 months. Be advised that pineapples can get up to four feet tall and that the leaves can be sharp.