Piña

You might think "Hawaii" when you hear the word pineapple, but according to SeasonalRecipes.com pineapples were consumed in pre-Inca times, thus indicating that pineapples are native to Central and South America. Some sources explain that pineapples originated in Paraguay and in southern Brazil and branched out to the rest of central and south America. Other sources, like Mexiconnect, claim that pineapples grew wild in Mexico and through Mexico pineapples were introduced to the rest of the world. These sources claim explorers discovered the fruit in Mexico and brought it to Spain. By 1549 pineapple was being grown commercially in China. Finally, pineapples were first planted in Hawaii in 1813.

My recent readings on the subject from various food blogs, food network, and my March issue of Bon Appetit all confirm that pineapple season is now through summer. Although pineapples can be purchased year-round, these sources claim this fruit is juiciest and sweetest beginning now. We decided to take advantage of this beautiful fruit beginning to peak. Join us at the Franklin Inn this weekend for a really delicious blackened tuna steak served with a pineapple poblano salsa. Check out the weekend specials at http://www.franklininn.net/Franklinspecials1.htm. Enjoy.