Pineapple sandwiches are a delicious and refreshing snack or light meal that have become popular around the world. But where did this fruity sandwich originate? Let’s take a look at the history and evolution of the pineapple sandwich.
The History of Pineapples
Pineapples originated in South America, likely in the area between Brazil and Paraguay. Indigenous peoples in this region used pineapples for food, medicine, and even wine. Pineapples were brought back to Europe by Christopher Columbus in 1493 after his second voyage to the Americas. They became popular decorative plants and symbols of luxury and hospitality. However, it took several centuries for pineapples to become regularly imported and consumed in Europe due to the difficulty of transporting them without spoilage.
In the early 1800s, pineapples became more readily available due to advances in greenhouse horticulture and steamship transport. Canned pineapple was developed in the early 20th century, allowing even broader distribution and consumption of pineapples worldwide. The Dole Food Company was instrumental in popularizing canned pineapples and creating the connection between Hawaii and pineapples, even though pineapples are not native to Hawaii.
Early Pineapple Sandwich Recipes
The first published recipes for pineapple sandwiches seem to date to the mid-19th century. In 1847, author Eliza Leslie included a recipe for minced raw pineapple sandwiches in her cookbook Directions for Cookery. In the late 1800s, recipes for pineapple sandwiches appeared in newspapers and cookbooks more frequently as pineapples became less expensive and more accessible.
Early pineapple sandwich recipes called for very thinly sliced raw pineapple or minced pineapple. The pineapple was placed between thin slices of bread, sometimes with butter. One 1893 recipe suggested placing the pineapple slices between bread with mayonnaise and lettuce, creating something closer to a modern pineapple sandwich.
Pineapple Sandwiches in the Early 20th Century
In the early 20th century, pineapple sandwiches became more prominent in recipes and popular culture. They were served at high society luncheons, parties, weddings, and teas as dainty finger foods with desserts and other refreshments. The discovery that the enzyme bromelain in pineapples could help tenderize meat also led to pineapple slices being served alongside roasts and hams.
Canned pineapple created new opportunities for pineapple sandwiches. Recipes included pineapple slices, crushed pineapple, and pineapple cream cheese fillings. Along with their sweet taste, pineapple sandwiches became popular for their vivid colors from pineapple juice.
Recipes for hot pineapple sandwiches also emerged, with pineapple slices warmed between bread. Grilled and toasted pineapple sandwiches were other innovations.
Pineapple Sandwiches in the Mid-20th Century
In the 1950s, pineapple sandwiches became strongly linked to the broader popularity of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture in America. Drive-ins, diners, bars, and restaurants featured pineapple sandwiches, pineapple burgers, and pineapple salad sandwiches. Food companies marketed products like pineapple preserves to make pineapple sandwiches at home.
The pineapple sandwich was also a symbol of leisure, vacationing, and warm climates. It appeared in advertisements, films, cartoons, and TV shows set in Hawaii or showing tropical getaways. Pineapple sandwiches were a festive food for backyard luaus, tiki parties, and other social gatherings with a Hawaiian theme.
The Modern Pineapple Sandwich
From the 1960s onward, the pineapple sandwich became established as a mainstream sandwich variation along with favorites like ham sandwiches, grilled cheese, and BLTs. While no longer heavily associated with Hawaii, pineapple sandwiches are still seen as a light, summery food.
Modern takes on the classic pineapple sandwich include:
- Grilled or sautéed pineapple slices instead of raw pineapple
- Pineapple slices paired with ham or Canadian bacon
- Pineapple with cheese like Cheddar, Brie, or cream cheese
- Pineapple with cooked, sliced bacon
- Pineapple with peanuts or almonds
- Sweet additions like honey, brown sugar, or preserves
- Jalapeño peppers or spices for a sweet-heat combo
- On rolls, bagels, biscuits, or waffles instead of regular bread
Pineapple sandwiches remain a crisp, sweet option for lunchboxes, picnics, backyard barbecues, and easy at-home meals. Their popularity endures as a refreshing, fruity sandwich choice.
The History of Pineapple Sandwich Popularity
Here is a timeline showing the rising popularity of pineapple sandwiches over the past 150 years:
| Year | Pineapple Sandwich Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1847 | First published pineapple sandwich recipe in Eliza Leslie’s Directions for Cookery cookbook |
| Late 1800s | Pineapple sandwich recipes appear in more cookbooks and newspapers as pineapples become less expensive |
| Early 1900s | Pineapple sandwiches popular appetizer at high society events |
| 1920s-1930s | Canned pineapple allows pineapple sandwiches to become widespread |
| 1950s | Pineapple sandwiches become strongly associated with Hawaiian/tiki culture |
| 1960s-Present | Pineapple sandwiches gain acceptance as a standard sandwich choice |
Pineapple Sandwich Fun Facts
- Pineapples were once so expensive in Europe they were rented as centerpieces and returned uneaten.
- Canned pineapple helped popularize pineapple upside-down cake as well as pineapple sandwiches.
- James Dole started the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (now Dole Food Company) in 1901 and heavily marketed Hawaiian pineapples.
- Psychiatrist Sigmund Freud supposedly once ate 12 pineapple sandwiches in one sitting.
- Spongebob Squarepants’ home is a pineapple, and pineapple sandwiches are sometimes seen on the show.
The Ideal Pineapple Sandwich
So what’s the best way to construct a delicious pineapple sandwich? Here are some tips:
Bread
Choose a bread that won’t overwhelm the pineapple flavor. Good options include:
- White bread
- Wheat bread
- Sourdough bread
- Brioche rolls or buns
Avoid strong, dense breads like rye.
Pineapple
Use fresh, ripe pineapple slices or rings rather than dried pineapple or chunks. Drain excess juice to avoid a soggy sandwich.
If using canned pineapple, drain it well first.
Add-Ins
Add complementary ingredients sparingly to let the pineapple shine. Options:
- Ham or bacon
- Mozzarella or Cheddar cheese
- Almond or peanut butter
- Jalapeño peppers
- Honey mustard or sweet chili sauce
Assembly
Layer pineapple slices on one bread slice. Top with add-ins if desired, then place other bread slice on top.
Spread a small amount of mayonnaise, butter, or cream cheese on the inside of the bread to prevent slipping.
Cook on a panini press or grill lightly until bread is toasted. Don’t overcook.
Cut in halves or triangles to serve. Enjoy this sweet treat!
Conclusion
While pineapple sandwiches may seem like a modern creation, they actually have a fascinating history going back nearly 200 years. From European luxury fruit to American staple, the pineapple sandwich became popularized by canning innovations and the mid-century tiki trend. Today it remains a refreshing, vibrant sandwich choice suited to all occasions. With an ideal balance of flavors and textures, this fruit-filled sandwich is a perennial crowd-pleaser.