You may be familiar with a recent (and surprisingly heated) debate: Does pineapple belong on pizza?
The jury is still out regarding this specific question, but pineapple is a fascinating ingredient that can add excitement to any dish.
The earliest written references to pineapple are found in documents by Christopher Columbus, and Sir Walter Raleigh, who came across this fruit in the West Indies.
According to a popular version, Columbus came across pineapples for the first time during his second voyage (1493), on the archipelago of Guadeloupe, where it was already popular among the native population.
A Regal Fruit
Unlike other exports from the New World, like tomatoes, Europeans embraced pineapple enthusiastically. But growing this tropical fruit in colder climates required a lot of care, which made pineapples an expensive symbol of status.
The first pineapples grown in France thanks to a greenhouse were presented to King Louis XV in 1733, and the regal association would remain steadfast for many years to come.
To this day, Europeans use pineapple mostly in desserts and pastries. It makes sense because after all, that was the established use of other fruits such as apples and peaches.
Pineapple and Asian Cuisine
However, one of the most interesting developments in the history of pineapple is its inclusion in the culinary traditions of Asian countries.
Pineapple is a common product in Asian countries, and not only in desserts. The acid sweetness of pineapple can add excitement to any recipe, bringing forth unexpected flavor notes in meat-based dishes.
Some traditional Asian dishes with pineapple include:
- Hamonado (Philippines)
- Afritada (Philippines)
- Kaeng Som Pla (Thailand)
- Pineapple rice
Hawaiian Pizza (invented in Canada in the 1960s) emulates this stimulating combination. Whether this fruit belongs on pizza is a matter of open debate. What’s out of the question is that pineapple is one of the world’s favorite fruits.
Get More Interesting Food Facts!
At Chef Gourmet we know good food, and we love to share that knowledge with you. These are some previous posts where you can find more interesting food facts:
- What is Purple Rice?
- Basmati, The Prince of Rice
- Soba Noodles: Everything You Need to Know
- Marinara: the Story Behind the Legendary Italian Sauce
- Quinoa, the Rice of the Incas (and Astronauts)
Try Our Grilled Chicken and Pineapple with Teriyaki!
We love the excitement (and debate!) of pineapple That’s why we have included Grilled Chicken and Pineapple with Teriyaki on our menu of Gourmet Prepared Meals. Order online or call today (1-888-536-5269)!
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