A tropical delight. It is believed that pineapple originated from South America, and was discovered in the Caribbean by Columbus in 1493. During history, fresh pineapple was a rarity, due to difficulty in transporting it, while sugared pineapple pieces were considered a luxurious treat for only a select few. The modernisation of transport, storage and preservation has made this delicious and nutritious fruit readily available. Pineapple is rich in manganese and vitamin C. It also contains bromelain, an important digestive enzyme.