Photo by Valery Bareta | Dreamstime.com
Pear
BC-grown pears will be top of the menu as the federal and provincial governments announced new funding for research into agritechnology.
A number of innovative projects are receiving investments under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including a project in Kelowna, BC, where Consolidated Fruit Packers (CFP) is trying to grow the “perfect pear.”
BC pears are a delicacy, but their ripening time makes it difficult for British Columbians to enjoy this fruit consistently. Pears are a unique fruit because they are one of only a few fruit species that do not ripen on the tree. They require time for the sugars to develop off the branch, which can pose a challenge for consumers eager to enjoy a local pear. CFP is studying the process required to create a pre-conditioned pear that consumers will be able to take home and enjoy immediately or soon after purchase.
Defining the conditions that create the perfect pear will allow CFP to offer a local pear with a more consistent texture and flavour. CFP is also developing packaging to further enhance the sweet, juicy flavour that BC pears are known for.