They’ve been known for a long time as a great cider ingredient, but pears may also help prevent a hangover, improve gut health and have a laxative effect. Those are some of the benefits of the humble pear that are about to be explored and backed by scientific research. The CSIRO, in partnership with Apples and Pears Australia Limited (APAL) is planning a comprehensive literature review, to determine the components, health effects and marketing potential that pear growers can use in their promotional activity.
While they’re often touted for their fibre content, pears are not as well known for health properties as other fruits such as avocado and berries. Pears contain nutrients in abundance, and have fibre to help slow sugar absorption, as well as vitamins and minerals. “Pears are particularly rich in sorbitol compared to other fruit, containing around 3 per cent sorbitol,” explained Professor Manny Noakes, Research Director of CSIRO’s Nutrition and Health Program at HortCon2015 recently.
The role of APAL, according to its latest update, will be to work with growers in the industry to develop marketing material with broad appeal. “Positive and substantiated health claims have the potential to make consumers think twice about pears and hopefully that positive message translates to more pears in the consumers' shopping baskets, both domestically and internationally,” said APAL’s Market Development Manager Olivia Tait.
The scoping review, funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia and conducted by the CSIRO, will determine the scope of further research and messaging that can be used by industry, according to Ms Tait.
Growers and industry should soon be able to spread the word about the benefits to consumers and potential consumers. “We grow 60 varieties of pears, and we tell people they’re good for cooking, eating, or cider making. We’d be very happy to promote additional health benefits though,” says Meryl Agars, who organizes the Toora Heritage Pear Orchard Committee. “We’re a community run orchard, and there are 3 or 4 varieties that visitors really tend to like. They pick a few of each and decide which they want to come back for.” Armed with more health information, visitors would come back for more, she said.
The Toore Heritage Pear Orchard produces about 60 varieties of pears, and hosts regular ‘Pear Parties’, grafting days and pruning days. The next grafting day is on 18 August, and grafts and root stock will be available to buy.
For more information:
To read the original update visit the APAL website: www.apal.org.au
To read more about the Toora Heritage Pear Orchard visit www.toorapears.info