InEurope and the U.S., the pineapple was ever seen as an item only forthe rich and powerful. Some pineapple sellers would rent out apineapple to display at a party, and sell it afterwards to a richfamily. By the nineteenth century, there was even a pineapple-shapedhouse built in Scotland to celebrate this expensive, exotic fruit.

   InMalaysia and Thailand, the durian—a fruit considered in the West tobe smelly and strange-tasting—is celebrated at the Durian Festival.People often perform dances and hold durian-eating competitions,colorful parades, and markets to try to attract Westerners to tastingtheir favorite fruit.

   However,the strangest customs perhaps can be found in Japan. Some fruits,such as melons or pears, are grown in a carefully controlledenvironment and displayed with ribbons and gift tags. More than afruit, they are sold for high prices and served as valuable gifts toimportant people on special occasions.

   Fromthese examples, it might be surprising to know how valuable or uniquecertain fruits are treated in some countries. Thus, next time you buya pineapple or melon, consider what other people think of thesefruits and how much they are willing to pay for them!