Pear — from the Far East to your plate, how are Pears Stored
Pear is native to the Far East and Central Asia. Grown in the mild temperature zones of both hemispheres, pear is one of the most popular fruits in the world. Although pear grows in any region where apples can be cultivated, it could not spread out as much as apples did. It became the symbol of justice, longevity, purity, wisdom and philanthropic government in China where it was first cultivated. While this fruit symbolises grace, nobility and purity, its tree is the expression of comfort and kindness. Spread from Anatolia to Europe, pear was first favoured by the ancient Greeks and then introduced to Italy and France before it spread all over Europe.
Pear jam and marmalade is a sought-after food in the markets. Pear is often used in sweetening many foods thanks to its taste and aroma. Additionally, it is used for producing puree, molasses, fruit leather, dried fruit, vermouth and wine. Pear contains minerals such as potassium, manganese and sodium, and is a rich source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C. It is now a well-known fact that no fruits or vegetables can be consumed straight after the production stage and dispatched to the consumer in good conditions without the use of cold chain. Modern cold storage plays an important role in making a fundamental impact on national economies and is the only method to keep pears in the best possible conditions. This fruit rapidly releases ethylene after the harvest, and therefore unstoppable aging process begins. Stopping or rather delaying the aging of pear can only be possible through cooling. The fact that a product can find a place in the markets today can only be possible through correct storage of that product.
The main purpose of storing Pear is to prevent water loss, withering, physiological and pathological deterioration and over maturing.
Temperature is the most important factor in storing pears for longer periods. Determining and using the right temperature is very important in terms of storage life of pears.
Having physiological similarities with apple, pear is easier to keep in cold storage compared to other fruit types as long as the right conditions are provided.
Depending on the variety, pear is stored at — 0.5 (32.9°F) and +2.5 ˚C(36.5°F). The temperature varies by the cultivar, region and climate of the harvest.
However, experience is the most important criteria in storing pears just like all other food types. Controlled atmosphere storage gives the best results in pears as well as in apple.
1 MCP systems used along with controlled atmosphere cold storage is very efficient in terms of shelf life.
This advanced technology storage provides investors big profits making these investments on them attractive thanks to its long storage and shelf life.
Pear is a rarely found fruit type, but when found, it is sold with high prices providing it high market values. Thus, it should be stored in the best conditions with no spoilage. Although there is a rapid increase in the number of atmosphere-controlled storage in the recent years, only 1 out of 4 pears is stored in this type of cold storage of high quality.
