I love pineapple. The summer is a perfect time to enjoy both of my favorite pineapple recipes. Rich and fluffy, pineapple upside-down cake is a comforting one-layer dessert. While a pineapple Dole Whip takes me back to the days when I lived near Disneyland and my dad gave me all of his “E” tickets. Back in the 1970’s you had to have a ticket for each ride. Tickets came in denominations of “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” and “E”—with “E” tickets being the best. An “A” ticket let you walk through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle while a “B” ticket let you go on the Swiss Family Treehouse. Dumbo’s Flying Elephants and Autopias were both “C” tickets. The “D” tickets were for the People Mover and Disneyland Railway. The “E” ticket covered the best rides and attractions. Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Small World, Country Bear Jamboree, and Enchanted Tiki Room were all “E” tickets. We would buy our ticket books and tear out a ticket for each attraction. You could buy extra “E” tickets at the park. Unused tickets could be used on the next visit. I remember one visit where we used all the leftover tickets in our books. Not an “D” or “E” ticket in sight. In case you are wondering, the Carousel of Progress was free.
Dole was the first sponsor of the Enchanted Tiki Room and the snack bar served pineapple spears and pineapple juice. I was in love with the fruit. Later, they added the Pineapple Dole Whip. I didn’t have a Dole Whip until I visited Disney World in Florida in 1996, but it made me feel like I was back in my “E” ticket days.
Now for a little pineapple history. There was a time in the 18th century when a single pineapple in England would cost in today’s money $10,000. They were so expensive many English would rent them just to show off. Some pineapples made the rounds of parties for display. Very few people ever hoped to own a pineapple. This high cost was due to the perishability, novelty, exoticism, and scarcity of the fruit. Affluent people would throw dinner parties and display a pineapple as the centerpiece, a symbol of their wealth, hospitality, and status, instantly recognizable by a party’s guests. Pineapples, however, were mainly used for decoration at this time; they were only eaten once they started going rotten.
Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, artists depicted pineapples to symbolize hospitality and generosity. Napkins, tablecloths, wallpaper, and even bedposts were decorated with drawings and carvings of pineapples to make guests feel welcome. If people couldn’t afford to buy or rent the real fruit, they bought porcelain dishes and teapots in the shape of a pineapple, which became hugely popular starting in the 1760s.
In 1900, industrialist James Dole started a pineapple plantation in Hawaii, hoping to sell and distribute the fruit with his business, the Hawaiian Pineapple Company, which would later become the Dole Food Company. He was hugely successful—for seven decades, his Lana’i plantation produced more than 75 percent of the world’s pineapples—and the company is still going strong. Love for the fruit hasn’t waned either—they are still a popular decorating motif.
While some might associate pineapples with hospitality and good luck, in the context of “girl code” and digital communication, the pineapple emoji has taken on this more specific meaning related to romantic entanglements.
In “girl code,” the pineapple emoji can signify a “complicated relationship”. Specifically, it’s sometimes used to represent a situation where a person has a connection with someone they’re not officially in a relationship with, like a person they’ve only exchanged messages with. It can also be seen as a symbol of hidden or ambiguous romantic interests.
While a right-side-up pineapple is a common symbol of hospitality and welcome, the upside-down version has taken on a more specific, adult-oriented meaning. The upside-down pineapple is a subtle way for couples to communicate their interest in swinging without being overly explicit.
Pineapples are good for your health. They are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. They also contain an enzyme called bromelain, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential digestive benefits.
They’re also worth the wait. It actually takes 1.5 – 2 years for each pineapple plant to grow a single fruit, so appreciate every bite.
And yes, I love pineapple on pizza.
Pineapple upside down cake
Ingredients 1/4cup butter 1cup packed brown sugar 1can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, drained, juice reserved 1jar (6 oz) maraschino cherries without stems, drained (about 18 cherries) 1box Yellow Cake Mix (I use Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™) Vegetable oil and eggs called for on the cake mix box
Instructions Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). As the oven is preheating, place the butter in a 13×9-inch pan and set it on the middle oven rack to melt. Set a timer for 5 to 7 minutes to remind yourself to check when the butter is fully melted. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over melted butter. Arrange pineapple slices on brown sugar. Place a cherry in the center of each pineapple slice, and arrange remaining cherries around slices; press gently into brown sugar. Add enough water to reserved pineapple juice to measure 1 cup. Make cake batter as directed on box, substituting pineapple juice mixture for the water. Pour batter over pineapple and cherries. Bake 40 to 46 minutes (44 to 53 minutes for dark or nonstick pan) or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately run knife around side of pan to loosen cake. Place heatproof serving plate upside down on top the pan; turn plate and pan over. Leave pan over cake for 5 minutes so brown sugar topping can drizzle over cake; remove pan. Cool 30 minutes. Serve warm or cool. Store covered in refrigerator.
Disney Dole Whip
Ingredients 2 cups of frozen pineapple 16oz, 454g 1/2 cup pineapple juice use more as necessary for desired consistency (120ml) 1 heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream
Instructions Add the frozen pineapple chunks, ice cream, and pineapple juice to a strong blender. Blend it until smooth. If you need to add a tablespoon or two more of pineapple juice then you can. Use ice crush mode at first or grind, if you have it and move up from there. You may need to turn the blender off and take the lid off and stir it a few times before you get it smooth. The consistency should be in between a smoothie and soft-serve ice cream. But closer to soft-serve then a smoothie. Now scoop the smooth dole whip into a piping bag with a star tip, twist the top, and pipe it into a serving bowl. It is ready to serve.
