"The generic name for pineapple, "Ananas" was derived from an Indian name, "Nana," meaning fragrance. The first explorers thought the fruit resembled a pinecone and it became known as "Pine of the Indies." "Apple" was added by the English to associate it with juicy delectable fruits.

The first encounter between a European and a pineapple occurred in November, 1493, when Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage to the Caribbean region, lowered anchor in a cove off the lush, volcanic island of Guadaloupe and went ashore to inspect a deserted Carib village. There, amidst parrot-flecked jungle foliage and wooden pillars spiraled with serpent carvings, his crew came upon cook pots filled with human body parts. Nearby were piles of freshly gathered vegetables and fruits, including pineapples. The European sailors ate, enjoyed and recorded the curious new fruit which had an abrasive, segmented exterior like a pine cone and a firm interior pulp like an apple.

In the 17th century pineapple was cultivated in houses in Europe and highly prized as a rare fruit. Used by the wealthy to adorn banquet tables, the pineapple soon became a subtle symbol of elite social standing and hospitality. Utilized by English political caricaturists during the Napoleonic Wars to symbolize high living and opulence, pineapple art motifs were carried to the New World by the Colonists to perpetuate the "friendship" and "welcome" image retained today."