2. Pineapples grow in tropical areas. They like a lot of sun.

3. They grow in the center of a cactus- like plant amid the spiky leaves. A pineapple takes 18 months to grow.

4. You can cut the top off a pineapple and dry it out for several days. Then plant it in soil and see if it will grow.

5. Pineapples have a wide cylindrical shape, a scaly green, brown or yellow skin and a spiny crown of blue green leaves.

6. The flesh of the pineapple is yellow in color and has a sweet flavor. The center of the pineapple has a hard fibrous core which is not eaten. The area closest to the base is the most tender and has the sweetest flavor.

7. Pineapple is native to South America and was transplanted throughout the tropical areas by the Spanish and Portuguese. It was named for its resemblance to a pine cone. Captain James Cook Introduced it to Hawaii around 1770.

8. In 1903, James Dole began canning pineapple in Hawaii, making it accessible worldwide. Today, Hawaii produces only 10% of the world’s pineapple crop. Mexico, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Philippines, Thailand, Costa Rica, China & Asia contribute to the world’s supply.

9. Pineapple is eaten fresh or canned, and is available as a juice or in juice combinations. It is used in desserts, salads, and as a complement to meat dishes. While sweet, it is known for its high acid content.

10. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which breaks down protein. Therefore, it is used as a marinade and tenderizer for meat.

11. Pineapple is high in fiber. It also contains good amounts of: Vitamin C Potassium & Manganese.

12. REFERENCES http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pineapples+characters#focal=74bfb145b03b6c100d9c480ed2d407d5&furl=http: //www.dole5aday.com/images/kids/Dewy_Pineapple_Juice.gif http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=pineapple+photos&FORM=IGRE# http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=photos+of+the+inside+of+a+pineapple&form=QBIR&qs=n#focal=4460074dae0 d71f849a1fdfce6f8fdb9&furl=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ehow.com%2Fimages%2FGlobalPhoto%2FArticles%2F2320771%2Fpin eapple8tn_Full.jpg http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/pineapple-facts.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple http://www.tonytantillo.com/fruits/pineapples.html http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/pineapple.html Children’s Literature about Pineapples The People in Pineapple Place By Author Anne Lindbergh Pineapple Soap By Author Brian Goodwin The High Adventures of Sara, the Pineapple Cat By Anne Louise Pemberton, Katharine Sandalls Molly the Monkey Finds A Pineapple By Kathleen Stefancin