Pineapple Day (Painappuru no Hi)

What Is Pineapple Day?

Every August 17th is "Pineapple Day" (パイナップルの日, Painappuru no Hi) in Japan. It was established by Dole Japan, a leading tropical-fruit company, to promote the deliciousness of pineapples, and is certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. The date comes from the wordplay "Pa (8) - i (1) - na (7) - ppuru," reading 8-1-7 as "pineapple." It's a day to enjoy sweet-and-sour pineapple as the summer heat lingers.

A Tropical Fruit That Amazed Europe

The pineapple is native to tropical America and reached Europe during the Age of Exploration.

• Columbus's encounter: In 1493, on his second voyage, Christopher Columbus is said to have encountered the pineapple when he stopped at the island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies, and introduced it to Europe.
• A symbol of luxury: Because it was hard to grow in greenhouses in Europe's cold climate and extremely expensive, by around the 18th century the pineapple had become a symbol of wealth and hospitality, and its shape was even used in architectural decoration.

The Origin of the Name

The English name "pineapple" is said to come from its shape resembling a pine cone and its sweet taste, like an apple. In Japanese it is also known as "hōri" (鳳梨), and as a plant it is sometimes called "ananas."

Fun Facts About Pineapples

• They don't grow on trees: The pineapple is not a tree but a perennial herb of the bromeliad family. A single large fruit forms at the tip of a stem growing from the ground.
• A cluster of small fruits: Each segment of the pineapple's diamond pattern is a small fruit formed from a single flower; the pineapple is many of these fused together.
• They don't sweeten after harvest: Unlike bananas or melons, pineapples don't ripen further after harvest, so it's best to eat them soon after buying.
• An enzyme that tenderizes meat: Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein -- which is why it's used in dishes like sweet-and-sour pork and in meat marinades. Bromelain is sensitive to heat, so canned or cooked pineapple doesn't have this effect.
• Jelly that won't set: For the same reason, fresh pineapple added to gelatin jelly keeps it from setting properly.
• Where Japan's pineapples come from: Domestic pineapples are grown mainly in Higashi Village in northern Okinawa Island, Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island. Most pineapples sold in Japan are imported from the Philippines.

Ways to Enjoy the Day

• Enjoy fresh pineapple or pre-cut pineapple
• Cook a dish with pineapple, such as sweet-and-sour pork or Hawaiian-style food
• Compare domestic (Okinawan) pineapple with imported ones
• Take a close look at the pattern on a pineapple's skin

A Sweet-and-Sour Break at Summer's End

August 17th is a day to enjoy pineapple while learning about its history and curiosities as a fruit that crossed oceans to reach us. While the heat lingers, why not take a break with some chilled pineapple?