Working the plantation

Me: "Look at my shirt! It's soaking wet--that's how bad I'm sweating! Just look!"

Darcy: "Why are you sweating so much?"

Me: "Because Grandma had me working in the plantation this afternoon!"

My mother has purchased fresh pineapples since moving to Florida. She cuts off the top and then plants it in some soil, hoping to grow another one. In all the years, she's grown maybe three pineapples--mainly, because it takes 18-24 months for maturation. Since her confinement to a wheelchair, the pineapples are entertainment, as are the herbs she grows in her kitchen. The plants are at the foot of her condo's outside staircase leading, and every time she descends, they are examined. Then, I am put to work per her instructions.

Connie: "Get scissors and snip the dead ends off of that one. Take the hose and water them. Don't be afraid, give them a good soak."

I have watered, trimmed, and even planted new pineapple tops, and I've been poked and stabbed by their razor-sharp leaves multiple times until my arms were bloody. Apparently, my effort has paid off. Two of the eight plants have sprouted pineapples!

Connie is beside herself with joy. If she can just keep the lawn men and their weed whackers away from the plants, she will set up a little stand after harvest. I've told the neighbors we will be selling pina coladas.

In my excitement at actually helping to grow food, I researched and learned more about growing pineapples. If any of my readers have the interest to join Connie's pineapple bandwagon, look no further. 

• Pineapples are full of nutritional vitamins and minerals and are naturally sweet.
• They are the only edible plant in the bromeliad family.
• The plant is native to southern Brazil and Paraguay.
• Columbus was the first to bring the pineapple to Europe, but it was challenging to grow in the European climate.  
• In the late 1600s, pineapples were grown successfully in a hothouse, but only royalty could afford them. That is why the fruit is called the fruit of the Kings.
• Pineapples represent good fortune and hospitality because they were a symbol of royal favor, and people were welcomed with pineapples as gifts.
• That is why we often see pineapple motif carved into buildings or as decorations on top of bedposts.
•  Florida used to be one of the largest pineapple producers in the U.S. After 1930, climate change made it more difficult, and now Hawaii is the primary grower of pineapples in the U.S. 
• Pineapples can be grown in a pot or in the ground.
• Pineapples take their time growing. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years for the fruit to be ripe for eating.