How did fruit transported from colonies to the capitals during the colonial era stay fresh enough during shipping trips lasting months at sea?

Question

You often hear in history how fruits such as pineapples and bananas (seen as an exotic foreign produce in places such as Britain) were transported back to the country for people, often wealthy or influential, to try. How did such fruits last the months long voyages from colonies back to the empire’s capital without modern day refrigeration/freezing?

In: 7801

Answer 1

I love the story of pineapples in Britain. Back in those days, a pineapple was a luxury article, pretty much like an Aston Martin nowadays, and extremely rich people who would have a pineapple would show it around.

https://theconversation.com/forget-fast-cars-and-shiny-rolexes-rich-people-used-to-show-off-their-wealth-with-pineapples-and-celery-124662