The original origin of the pineapple - one of the most popular fruits of all - is in South America. However, today the sweet fruit is grown in almost all countries with a tropical climate. In this article we have put together interesting facts about the origin and cultivation of pineapples.
Where does pineapple come from?
The original origin of the pineapple is in South America, where it was probably grown around 4,000 years ago. Today it can be found in almost all countries with a tropical climate, with the Philippines, Costa Rica, Brazil, Indonesia, China and India being the largest producers.
Where does the pineapple come from?
The pineapple's South American origins are hardly noticeable today, as it is grown on almost all continents. The aromatic fruit was probably first cultivated around 4,000 years ago and was one of the main foods of the indigenous population of South America in pre-Columbian times - around 500 years ago.
Probably the first European to taste a pineapple was Christopher Columbus. In 1493, the locals of the small Caribbean island group of Guadeloupe gave him pineapple fruits as a welcome gift. As early as the beginning of the 16th century, pineapples were grown in almost all tropical regions of the world.
Do pineapples also grow in Europe?
Despite its tropical origins, the pineapple actually grows in Europe, but only if the required warm and humid climatic conditions of the tropics are replicated - and that is expensive and time-consuming even in southern European countries.
In southern Spain, for example, pineapple plants are cultivated in glasshouses, so that the country acts as an export nation of the tropical fruit across Europe. In other European countries such as Germany, the pineapple is also cultivated, but not commercially and rather by interested private individuals or in botanical gardens.
Where are most pineapples grown?
Instead, cultivation takes place - in addition to the countries of origin in South America - around the globe in almost all countries with a tropical or subtropical climate. The world's largest producer of pineapples today is the Philippines, followed immediately by Costa Rica, Brazil, Indonesia, China and India.
However, the commercial, mass cultivation of pineapples is viewed critically, especially by environmentalists, because the plants are grown in large plantations. For this purpose, the rainforest is cut down, and monoculture also results in a high consumption of pesticides and other plant protection products. This is necessary to contain diseases and pest infestations.
How does pineapple grow?
Pineapples do not grow on trees, as is often assumed, but as a herbaceous plant rooted in the ground. Since it is a bromeliad, this growth is quite unusual: most bromeliads grow epiphytically on trees. Pineapple plants form a stem from which long, rosette-like leaves and finally a long flower stem grow. The fruit ultimately develops from the latter.
Basically, the pineapple plant is quite undemanding when it comes to its location: it does well on dry ground and also grows under trees, for example under mango trees. The harvest takes place all year round.
Tip
Can you grow pineapple as a houseplant?
In fact, you can cultivate the pineapple as a houseplant and, with a bit of luck, even grow fruit. You can buy pineapple plants commercially or grow them yourself from the leaves (€23.00 on Amazon) of a purchased fruit.
