Not only pineapples, but spices like black pepper were also insanely expensive once upon a time. These days, we just sprinkle that stuff without a second thought. It's funny how time changes value.

Imagine the pineapple rental service ads back then. 'Wanna be posh for a night? Get yourself a pineapple! Only two shillings an hour!' 😂

Pft, renting a pineapple? Please, I'd just draw one and tell people it's too rare to bring to parties. Instant respect - and you save a few coins. 😏

So you telling me my fruit bowl could've been my ticket to high society back then? Missed my chance to be a pineapple mogul lol ✨

Indeed, in the 18th century, pineapple cultivation required a significant investment as they had to be grown in temperate European climates. Owners of hothouses where pineapples were grown guarded their prized plants closely. The fruit became so associated with prestige that we even have records of people renting the pineapples for display rather than consumption, thanks to their prohibitive cost. Considering the considerable effort of producing pineapples in Europe, their representation in architecture and art served as an enduring status symbol long after their availability increased.

ahaha that's hilarious 😂 shows you how trends can really be anything.

Lol yeah, I've heard this. They'd even put pineapples on top of gateposts to signify that they were home and ready for visitors. Imagine using food like some kinda beacon for socialites.

Pineapples being a luxury is super true! This was during a time when stuff like chocolate, coffee, and tea were also high-status items. Pineapples were so rare and hard to grow in European climates that they became symbols of wealth and even art. You’d see them in paintings and, as you mentioned, as centerpieces in gatherings to flex. It's wild to think how something so commonplace today was so valuable back then!