In case you’ve ever wondered – either in a particularly mind-expanding hot box session, or during Spanish class while staring at the word “ananá” – why pineapples are called pineapples when they don’t grow on pine trees OR look anything like apples, it’s time we finally put your frustrations to rest. Our story actually begins with good ol’ Chris Columbus himself, who first brought the pineapple back to Spain in 1493. According to a report by a Dr. T. Ombrello of Union County College, “the Spanish saw the fruit’s resemblance to a pine cone, and first called it ‘Pine of the Indies.’” The English then added an “apple” for its taste.