Hala kahiki Escapades

On a recent trip to Florida with my daughter, we were at Epcot and enjoying a small boat ride, throughout the greenhouse tour. As we passed the pineapples, every single person let out elation over the discovery that pineapples do not grow in Palm trees. I have to admit, that all my life I had thought the same until I was researching Hawaii and the Dole Plantation. I could not believe the way pineapple grows low to the ground, out of the base of a crown of slips. What fascinates me was reading that you could grow a pineapple in your home! Imagine having guests over and your budding pineapple plant being the center of attention! More exciting than a Chia pet, your blossoming fruit can then be used as a centerpiece! If you are feeling creative, then let your artistic abilities flourish, by carving a design in your pineapple. The possibilities are endless! The next fruit, which perplexes me, is the banana, which is considered both a fruit and a herb! The banana itself is the fruit of the herb and yet is regarded as a berry. I never knew bananas had such complexities. The fact that they do not grow on trees either, but are considered a non-wood fiber plant made me realize I am not as knowledgeable about the foods I eat. It made me wonder how confusing it was to early settlers when they discovered these foods. How many arguments were made around a fire in attempts to delclare its identity? To ensure a fair study of the pineapple, I will continue my research when I arrive at the Dole Plantation in Hawaii. I will ponder over such matters while indulging in Hala kahiki (pineapple) whip cones and picking up my 6-pack of fresh Dole whole pineapples.

* Photo Courtesy of Ifood.tv