In colonial America, the pineapple was a symbol of welcome and hospitality. Since pineapples came at great expense by ship from the Caribbean, if a hostess served pineapple to her guests they felt honored, knowing she'd spared no expense on their visit.
But, as I learned on a tour of Louisiana's Oak Alley Plantation, the pineapple was also used to kick guests out.
If you were a houseguest who awoke one morning to find a pineapple sitting at the foot of your bed, it meant you'd overstayed your welcome.
Such a versatile fruit.
