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Hawaiian Pineapples
Nobody knows who first introduced the pineapple, or halakahiki (meaning 'foreign fruit'), to Hawaii but it was certainly a long time ago! One theory is the first plants started to grow naturally on Hawaii's Big Island following a shipwreck in the 1500s.
Hawaii's pineapple industry started in earnest in the 1800s, really taking off when it was discovered the islands' red soil and semi-tropical climate made for ideal growing conditions. Remember, this was a time when pineapples were still considered exotic luxuries and because they were difficult to grow in temperate climates they were highly valued.
A Captain John Kidwell is credited with experimenting with various varieties to establish Hawaii's first viable commercial crop but it was James Drummond Dole< who really put Hawaii's pineapples on the world map. Dole recognised the newly invented process of canning foods could be applied to pineapples to bring fresh, delicious fruit to homes across the world.
Each pineapple plant produces three fruit harvests, with one piece of fruit being harvested each time. It takes 18 months for the first fruit to be ready for picking, a further 14 months for the second and another 13 months for the final fruit to grow and ripen. Then the fields are cleared and new crowns are planted.
At one stage pineapples were Hawaii's primary crop but cheaper production in other locations have greatly reduced the amount grown today. There are still a few privately owned, small plantations (several on Lanai). Some are open to the public (e.g.the Dole Pineapple Plantation on Oahu). These farms continue to supply the local markets so when visiting Hawaii you can still taste a genuine, Hawaiian-grown pineapple. You will be hard pressed to find any juicer, sweeter or more delicious pineapple anywhere in the world!
How to Select A Fresh, Ripe Pineapple
Choose a pineapple that is plump and fresh looking. Select one with fresh, green leaves in the crown. If the body has gone soft, leave it. When talking about pineapples bigger is certainly best in terms of quantity of edible fruit but it will not necessarily be any riper or better tasting than a smaller fruit.
When it comes to selecting a ripe pineapple it is really quite easy as the picker has already made the choice for you! The shell colour of pineapples can range from a dark green tinge to bright golden orange and the good news is that they are all ripe! Once cut from the plant a pineapple does not ripen any further or get any sweeter so there is no point in waiting to dig in! If you do not plan on using a fresh pineapple straight away it is best to keep it in the fridge ... and chilled fresh pineapple is really delicious!
As for the idea that a pineapple is ripe if the leaves pull easily out of the crown ... sorry, that is an old wives tale. It is not a sign of ripeness or good quality.
Visit www.greatfood.ie for some delicious pineapple recipe ideas. Note: by clicking you will leave the Aloha Holidays website.
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Hawaii Island Information
In some countries the pineapple is considered a great aphrodisiac!
Great Value Hawaii in 2010!If we find cheaper prices on your travel dates we'll pass the savings on to you!
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