A beloved blend of sticky sweetness and tangy zing...these are quickly moving up our list of personal favourites!  And it seems we aren't the only ones.  Pineapples were such a status symbol in 18th century England that you could actually rent one to take along to a party!  But these chewy little treats aren't just delicious, they have several features that make them unique. First called "pine apples" by explorers because they resembled large pine cones, the fruit we enjoy is actually a collection on hundreds of little fruitlets that have grown together into a dense bunch.  Native to South America, pineapples are now cultivated all around the world in tropical climates, with Hawaii producing about 1/3 of the total crop.  They made such a splash when introduced in Europe in the 15th century that they were soon cultivated for nobility like Catherine the Great and Louis XV.   Pineapple plants can only produce one fruit at a time and they usually take between 18-20 months before they are ready for harvest.  The fruit don't ripen much after harvest so careful timing is essential for proper flavour and freshness.  They contain the bromelain enzyme which is effective at breaking down proteins, which makes pineapples and their juice a good choice for tenderising meat.  Pineapples are rich in vitamin C, copper, manganese, magnesium, thiamin and a range of B vitamins, as well as plenty of fibre.  That's impressive for a fruit that is around 88% water!  Our natural dried pineapple rings are gentle baked which remove excess water and concentrates their uniquely sweet and tangy flavour.  Yum! Ingredients: 100% Pineapple!     Origin: Ghana Best before: 11/22 Batch: 22145334553