Pineapple

When you think of the word pineapple, what comes to mind? Are you someone who associates the pineapple as a symbol of hospitality? Do you have a mental image of pineapple trees swaying in the sunlight, or can you feel a gentle breeze blowing across your face. Possibly you can close your eyes and experience your taste buds exploding with the thought of the juicy, sweet pineapple in your mouth? Pineapple was first introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus when he brought the fruit back from his visit to the Caribbean ("All About Pineapple"). Pineapples have multiple uses, for it does not only serve as a delicious fruit but it is also a tropical plant. The name pineapple first originated from the Spanish word, pina. In 1398, the word pineapple was first documented but originally it was used to explain the reproductive organs of a conifer trees. When this tropical fruit and plant were first noticed by European explores they called them “pineapples” because the shape of them resembled pine cones. Approximately thirty years after the tropical fruit was discovered the term for “pine cone” was recorded to replace the original meaning of “pineapple.”
Pineapple is such an interesting fruit because it can be utilized in many different recipes. It can be used as a fruit, dessert, salsa, or possibly a sauce - the possibilities are endless. When I first found out that I was going to research a food, the pineapple was the first food that came into my mind. This fruit is one of my favorite foods because whenever I bit into this fruit; I have many memories that come to mind while eating pineapples. I think of previous vacations I have been on while growing up with my family. I have been very fortunate as a child to have traveled to the Hawaiian Islands with my family on several occasions and I have always experienced eating a fresh pineapple right from the pineapple tree in Hawaii. I was picky eater as a child, but I always loved the fresh pineapples.
Pineapples remind me of the time playing in the ocean and on the beach with my family, going to lulus, and spending time as a family together. Whenever I see a pineapple at farmers markets or in the grocery stores I am instantly reminded of a relaxing time spent with my family. After doing some research on pineapples, I have discovered out that not only is pineapple fun to look at, but it is also good for your body. While your body consumes the pineapple juices and pulp it is able to break down your protein more efficiently ("Fun Facts About Pineapple"). I have always thought that there was only one type of pineapple but I have researched and realized that there are four types of pineapples. They are as follows:
1. Cayenne Pineapple
The Cayenne has a solid, rubbery skin that is blonde-yellow in color. This is a big pineapple that is very succulent with a tart, but very sweet flavor.
2. Pernambuco Pineapple
A light yellow fleshed pineapple that is average sized. Its skin is sweet and delicate.
3. Queen Pineapple
It is smaller in dimension and not as moist or sweet as the Cayenne.
4. Red Spanish Pineapple
This pineapple is acidic and has a powerful smell ("Pineapple").
Pineapples are an fascinating fruit because it can be used in so many ways – food, rope, clothing, and decorations. Pineapples remind me of happy times with my family, and that brings a smile to my face. Pineapples are a food that will always remain close to my heart.
Recipe of a Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Topping:*
1 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 can (20 oz) of pineapple slices
Cake:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
6 Tbsp cake flour
6 Tbsp of ground almonds (from about 2 oz of whole almonds)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups of sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
4 large eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup sour cream
1. Start by making the caramel topping.* Take brown sugar and butter and combine and melt in a saucepan on medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbly, this should take several minutes. Pour mixture into a 10 inch diameter stick-free cake pan with 2 inch high sides. Arrange pineapple slices in a single layer on top of the caramel mixture.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Whisk the flours, almonds, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter together until light. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream in 2 additions each, beating well after each addition. Pour cake batter over caramel and pineapple in pan.
3. Bake cake until tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool cake in pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto a platter. Serve warm or at room temperature (“Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe”).





Works Cited
"All About Pineapple." Hormel Foods. 10 Sept. 2007 .
"Fun Facts About Pineapple." Dole Food Company. Dole Food Company’s Nutrition &Health Program. 12 Sept. 2007 .
"Pineapple." Wikipedia. 12 Sept. 2007. 12 Sept. 2007 .
"Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe." Simply Recipes. 12 Sept. 2007
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