In the 1700s, pineapples were so expensive that people rented them by the hour to display at parties.

During the 18th century, the pineapple (Ananas comosus) was the ultimate symbol of luxury in Europe and Colonial America. Since the fruit is native to South America and the Caribbean, transporting it across the Atlantic was nearly impossible. Most pineapples rotted during the long voyage, making any fruit that survived the journey incredibly valuable to the elite class.By the 1720s, gardeners at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London and estates like the Duchess of Beaufort's began using 'pineries' to grow them locally. These were specialized hothouses that used massive amounts of coal and tanbark to maintain tropical temperatures. The cost of building and heating these structures meant a single fruit could cost £80, which is roughly $8,000 to $10,000 in modern currency.Because of this extreme price, a rental market emerged for those who could not afford to buy. Shops like the famous confectionery houses in London would lease a pineapple to a host for a single evening. The host would place it at the center of the dining table to signal their social standing and hospitality. The fruit was rarely eaten during these events and was instead returned to the vendor the next day.The vendor would then sell the aging fruit to a wealthier client who could actually afford to consume it. This obsession left a lasting mark on design and architecture. You can still see stone or ceramic pineapples atop gateposts and doorways in historic cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and London, serving as a permanent reminder of the owner's status and welcoming nature.