Being the center of much attention, it may seem strange that a fruit could garner so much traction in being something worth talking about. We have all seen motivational sayings telling us to stand tall and wear our crowns – just like a pineapple. We also have a firm stance on the argument of whether or not pineapples belong on pizza. But even deeper than that, pineapples have a symbolic meaning that dates back hundreds of years.
The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality dating back to the late 1400’s, when Christopher Columbus explored the Caribbean and took it back to England. Because of its rarity, hosts would adorn their tables with pineapples, serve it to their guests, or top dishes with it as a display of honor.
Whether you stay true to this symbolism by always serving or displaying pineapples in your home when entertaining, or whether you prefer to pick the pineapples off any dish you are eating, let us explore the origins of the symbolism, and much more, about this exotic fruit.
The History Behind it
In 1493, Christopher Columbus explored the Caribbean and discovered multitudes of exotic fruit, one of which was the beautiful and delicious pineapple which resembled a pinecone. Enthralled by its overall visual appeal and phenomenal taste, it was taken back to England where many fawned over it, including the royals.
Taking almost 200 years to successfully replicate the environment in which to grow pineapples, the fruit became extremely rare, and as a result, pineapples were only used on special occasions. Much in the same way as we only use our best and most beautiful crockery on special occasions, and when visitors are over, pineapples held an air of exclusivity and showed the guests just how delighted and privileged the host was to entertain them.
Pineapples held such a high esteem, that King Charles II had a portrait painted of himself with a pineapple being handed to him.
What is Hospitality and Why is it Important?
At its most fundamental level, hospitality is a social construct that creates a unique relationship between the host or hostess, and the guest.
Whether you are hosting a meal, or whether you are hosting your guests for an overnight stay, hospitality includes carrying out certain tasks to make sure your guests feel comfortable, while accommodating their needs.
Health Benefits of Pineapples
Bringing out pineapples on special occasions isn’t just a way of showing your guests hospitality, but it also gives them the opportunity to indulge in a fruit that has multiple health benefits.
Probably one of the greatest health benefits of pineapples is that it contains bromelain. This enzyme has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as pain-relieving properties. Not to mention, pineapples are also extremely nutritious.
Pineapples have also been known to have a strange relationship with pregnancy. It has been long assumed that consuming enormous amounts of pineapples or pineapple juice can cause the cervix to ripen quicker and can bring on labor. This is believed to be because of the bromelain enzyme.
It has been thought that consuming enormous amounts of pineapples and pineapple juice can lead to a miscarriage, but all of this has been marked up to being a myth as there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Generally, pregnant women aren’t discouraged from consuming pineapples or pineapple juice as it does contain high levels of vitamin C. Additionally, as with everything else, if consumed within reason, it can be extremely beneficial as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Pairing Pineapples with Other Foods
Pineapples are one of the fruits that are dynamic enough to be paired with multiple other dishes. Whether as part of an entrée, a main meal, or a dessert, pineapples are adaptable. It can also be easily integrated into a variety of meals, helping you show off your culinary skills when hosting guests.
Paired well with pork dishes, in fruit salads, and even on burgers, pineapple adds a dimensional and dynamic sweetened aspect to your meal. It can be grilled on the BBQ or served as is – either way, it always boasts the hospitality symbolism of the old days.
While pineapples have a reputation of being a symbol of hospitality, many have grown to despise it, especially in its use on pizzas. A long-standing debate that seems to have gained much traction in recent years, is whether pineapples should even be on pizza.
This debate has been propelled further and faster by social media, despite the Hawaiian pizza, which is topped with ham and pineapple, existing since the 1960s. While most people remain highly divided on the topic, with some having strong feelings of disagreement, others believe that pineapples add a wonderful sweetness to an otherwise savory dish.
Although pineapples on pizza boils down to personal preference, there are some ingredients that are not recommended to be served with pineapples. One such ingredient is milk. This is because the highly beneficial bromelain enzyme has a negative effect on milk and can cause it to curdle.
Pineapple’s Symbolism in Modern Day
As with many other iconic symbols of old, the pineapple has changed and adapted its meaning and significance as time has progressed. While it was a symbol of hospitality in earlier centuries, today it also represents hope and friendship.
Many still believe that the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality, but it has the added value of representing luxury, wealth, royalty, and beauty – all of which stems from its original fame in the 15th century.
Modern-day trends and culture have seen people buying pineapple pendants, wearing it as jewelry, and wearing it on clothing items. It has taken on a sense of fashion, and its vibrant colors make a clear and bold statement.
Conclusion
Whether you believe that pineapple belongs on pizza or not, it still holds true to its symbolism of hospitality. While everyone has differing tastes, pineapples have expanded its reputation and is no longer used just to symbolize hospitality, but it also boasts a feeling of warmth, summer, and an overall pleasing aesthetic.
