Once upon a time, pineapples held such esteemed value that people would rent them for extravagant parties. Today, when planning a soirée, you might consider renting additional furniture or even a tent or formal attire. However, back in the 1700s, hosts and guests seeking to showcase their wealth turned to a rather unconventional rental item: pineapples. These tropical fruits symbolized extravagance and prosperity, primarily due to their exorbitant cost as imports to Europe and beyond before the 20th century. In fact, during the 18th century, a single pineapple purchased in Britain could equate to a staggering $8,000 in today’s currency.
Did you know that when you bite into a pineapple, it bites back? It’s not just a saying but a fact. The enzyme bromelain found in pineapples causes that tingling sensation in your mouth by breaking down proteins. This very quality also makes pineapples an excellent natural meat tenderizer. Some suggest that adding salt can help mitigate the tingling sensation.
The introduction of pineapples to Europe is credited to Christopher Columbus in the 1490s, with just one surviving his return voyage. Quickly earning the title of the “king of fruits,” pineapples became synonymous with opulence and royalty due to their rarity. They adorned paintings of monarchs, adorned linens and wallpapers, and were even intricately carved into furniture. Owning a pineapple signified wealth and status, making them highly sought after as decorations for lavish parties and events. Although European botanists eventually learned to cultivate pineapples in greenhouses, making them more accessible, their exclusivity persisted for some time. Consequently, many Britons would opt to rent pineapples for their soirées, even parading them around as the ultimate, albeit uneaten, status symbol.
Baked Pineapple Casserole
- 50 oz. cans pineapple chunks (drained)
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 1/2 c. grated mild cheddar cheese
- 1 stack Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 1/2 sticks melted butter
Spray large baking pan, 15″ x 10″, with Pam. (I use a regular cake pan.) Put drained pineapple in baking pan. Mix flour and sugar, and sprinkle over pineapple. Sprinkle cheese and crushed crackers over, then pour melted butter over mixture. Bake 30 min. at 350 degrees