Pineapple

Pineapples are native to Brazil and Paraguay in South America, where Indians called them 'anana' or 'excellent fruit'. They later took them to the Caribbean and Mexico, where they were grown by the Mayans and Aztecs. Today, the Philippines, Thailand and Costa Rica produce the most pineapples.

It takes two years for a pineapple to grow. They do not grow on trees, but on plants around one metre high, one fruit per plant. They are grown from the tops, which are cleaned, dried and planted. The sections of the fruit start as flowers. The fruits of the flowers join together, ripen and become the pineapple.

Pineapples are easy to grow. They can grow in poor soil, in pots and do not need much water, but they do need the sun. This tropical fruit can be grown in greenhouses in colder climates but they might not always be so tasty!

Christopher Colombus introduced pineapples to Europe after he discovered them in Guadalope in 1493. As no one could grow them in Europe, the sweet fruit was seen as a delicacy and could cost the equivalent of thousands of pounds. It became a symbol of wealth. It also became a symbol of hospitality, as rich people would top a display of fruit for guests with a prized pineapple. They started to call them pineapples instead of 'anana' as they looked like pine cones.

Pineapples are eaten around the world in desserts and as juice. They are the main ingredient in the cocktail, the pina colada. In Asia, they are also eaten in savoury dishes. They are high in vitamin C and help the digestion.

Fun facts

* Pineapples are still called the old Indian name 'anana' in French and Italian.

* Pineapples became known as a symbol of hospitality and are carved in stone, wood and on railings in mansions, palaces and many old buildings. The most amazing is the 18th century folly, known as The Pineapple, in Scotland.