The pineapple has served as both a food and a symbol throughout the history of the Americas. Originally unique to the western hemisphere, this fruit was a culinary favorite of the fierce Carib Indians, who once inhabited the islands in the sea that still bears their name.

The presence of pineapples on the Caribbean islands was not a natural event, but rather the result of centuries of Indian migration and commerce. Highly regarded for its intense sweetness, this “excellent fruit” was a staple of Indian feasts and rites related to tribal affirmation. It was also used to produce Indian wine.

The pineapple has come to pass as the king of fruits for its diversified use by royalty throughout the ages in Western and Eastern Europe. The pineapple also conjures images of lush tropical exotic places, which add to the lure of its exotic and unique taste.

Pineapple harvesting is so scientific with today’s standards that it insures high sugar content on each individual fruit at the time of picking. Pineapples are unique in the sense that the fruit is fully ripe at the time of harvest. Look for clean fresh crown leaves and eyelids, which point upward, rather than downward.

Take a trip to an exotic tropical land and enjoy one of nature’s truly excellent fruit.