The pineapple is the national symbol of hospitality. It started way back in Columbus’s Day. He discovered the fruit and brought it back to the states, but farmers couldn’t figure out a way to make it grow outside its normal environment. The fruit quickly became an expensive commodity as it was not easy to ship without spoiling. Only honored and distinguished guests were gifted the extremely expensive whole pineapples and mostly by royalty. Even though today the pineapple is readily available, it still remains a symbol of welcome.