The Conference pear grown under the Rincón de Soto Protected Designation of Origin is one of the most renowned fruits on the market. Forecasts for this season, which begins in a few weeks, are positive thanks to good weather conditions and the region's soil characteristics.
"The spring hailstorm has not damaged the crop; it fell in specific areas, but it didn't affect us. There's still a month to go, but I think it will be a good year for La Rioja, in terms of quality and quantity of Conference pears," stated Remedios Jiménez, Manager of Agroalimentaria de La Rioja.
© Agroalimentaria La Rioja
This company produces fruit and vegetables mainly for the domestic market, but it also exports its products. "We grow summer pear varieties like Moretini, Ercolini, and Limonera pears. However, our most important variety is the PDO Peras de Rincón de Soto Conference pear. It accounts for 60% of our production. Thus, if we produce 5 million kilos, 3 million would be exclusively of this pear," Jiménez said.
"The Conference is a special variety thanks to its very high sugar levels combined with its hardness. Its sweetness ranges between 13° and 20° Brix, without undermining its crunchiness. In addition, it has an optimum shelf life, as it can last several months in a controlled atmosphere," he added.
"The temperature contrasts in Rincón de Soto (La Rioja) are ideal for the Conference pear to achieve great quality and flavor. The 30°C hot days help the fruit gain sugars, and the 14°C nights allow it to maintain its firmness," Jiménez said.
The harvest of the Conference pear begins in August and takes 2 or 3 weeks, as it must be carried out quickly.
"Then it's stored in controlled atmosphere chambers, where it can last until June."
"I don't like overlapping seasons. I think people should eat summer fruit in summer and Conference pears in winter, which is the best time to eat them. Growers have to be able to sell what they produce in each season of the year. I think it would be good to educate consumers about this," the Manager stressed.
Pear cultivation in La Rioja is increasing after the PDO Rincón de Soto, but "without surprises", he added. "Fruit trees that do not adapt well to the area are disappearing, such as the apple, for example. There are still a lot of pears here because the soil and conditions are exceptional."
The changing climatic conditions have led to new varieties, but "the pear tree can last for 50 years in the hands of a good farmer, as it is a crop that needs a certain specialization, is harvested by hand, and needs a lot of pruning," he added.
For more information:
Remedios Jiménez
Manager
Agroalimentaria de La Rioja
Tel: +34 659 86 90 94
Email: [email protected]
www.agroalimentaria2001.com
