In the 1950s, there used to be an oasis where fruit grew overlooking the lush valleys of three rivers (Verdura, Magazzolo and Platani) in the Ribera area. The soil and weather conditions were excellent thanks to the proximity to the sea and to the fertile land.
The most renowned fruit was Coscia pears, so much so that traders come from all over Italy to buy them. The fact that most of the orchards were converted into citrus groves meant much of the production disappeared, but part of it survived to this day.
There are still a few orchards of Cosica pears, which are mainly destined to niche markets despite the existence of similar pears from other areas of Italy and Spain. There are around 50 local producers (100 if we count those in the rest of the Ribera area) and orchards usually cover between 1 and 3 hectares.
Coscia pears are truly unique - they have a sweet and delicate flavour with a juicy and slightly grainy flesh. "It is a very early variety and harvesting starts in early July and lasts until the end of August, although the fruit is available throughout September. The fruit is medium-small, with a colour ranging from light green with hints of red to yellow when fully ripe," explains Giovanni Martorana, marketing and sales manager for Società Agricola Val Di Verdura.
Unfortunately production costs are quite high due to the various pesticide treatments they must be subjected to. "The trees do not have a stable production and need pollinators as it is a sterile cultivar. Pollination is carried out mainly by bees and other insects. Quantities are scarce, but the real problem is managing to grow fruit that is perfect."
"Our pears are very popular especially in Milan (and the whole of Lombardy in general), the tourist areas in Liguria as well as in Tuscany and Rimini. Elsewhere, they are not so popular because they tend to be confused with the Spanish ones or because they have to compete with local bigger pears, like for example in North-East Italy."
"In order to meet the numerous online demands, Val di Verdura decided to introduce crates containing 2 or 4 trayliners with 24 pears each, i.e. 48 or 96 pears in total." Coscia pears are best enjoyed when completely ripe.
Shipments will e carried out between July 11th and August 9th. "In order to promote our work and our fruit, transport will be at our expense."