The Chinese company, Fruit Mould, creates all kinds of plastic moulds that transform regular fruit and vegetables into unusual shapes. By placing this plastic mould over the growing fruit, certain fruits and vegetables can take the shape of a square, a star, a heart or a Buddha. Piano trader, Bart Elbers, can be found in China on a regular basis. Years ago, he encountered this Chinese business, that produces, among others, square watermelon, there. Together, they came up with the idea for a pear in the form of a Buddha. “We developed a number of moulds and began testing”, says Bart. These Buddha pears were such a big hit in China that he decided to take the moulds to the Netherlands.
Buddha pears are cultivated at his brother-in-law and sister’s fruit farm. It is now also being grown at the Van Kampen fruit farm. Production has expanded considerably in recent years. This year, 10 000 of these pears were produced, and most of them were sold. “In August, we, along with friends and family, harvest the Buddha pear. A fun time which has since become a serious business”, says the entrepreneur. The peas are packed ten-to-a-box, which costs EUR 30. Most are sold directly to the public, but some are sold via wholesalers. “Businesses like putting these pears on tables at events. They are also often given as gifts to customers or personnel.”
Round, firm pears most suitable
Bart says producing Buddha pears is very labour-intensive. It is imperative that the mould is placed on the fruit at precisely the right time. “There was some trial-and-error. The fruit must still be small enough to take on the particular shape, but it must be solid enough to be able to bear the mould. Picking also takes longer that with conventional pears”, he explains. The Lucas (Beurré Alexander Lucas) pear variety is suitable to shape as Buddha pears. These pears have a rounder shape than the well-known Conference pear. It also has the correct firmness and a stronger skin. “The way a pear is shaped lends itself well to the shaping of a Buddha. Yet, not every pear can become a Buddha. For example, in China, smaller moulds, changed to fit the pears grown there, are used.”
Buddha pears are primarily used for ornamental purposes. “They are less flavoursome”, Bart admits. “People are curious as to how they taste, but by-enlarge they are not eaten. You must regard the Buddha pear as something fun. For yourself, but also as a gift to cheer someone up, for example. The laughing Buddha always brings a smile to people’s faces.”
Bart says the Buddha pear's story is a hobby that got out of hand. What started out as a fun idea has grown into a serious business. He wants consumers, as well as businesses, to consider the possibilities. “It would be nice if other fruit growers would also participate. Most want just to produce large volumes, while this one product creates added-value.
I see good opportunities for collaborations with importers and other growers in the future. Of course, this kind of extreme product does better in Japan and China. There, sometimes, ridiculously high prices are paid for special products or packaging. When it comes to that, people in the Netherlands are somewhat more restrained. I have, however, noticed that they are more open to unusual products. I see there is now a market for this product, which I would very much like to share with others.”
More information:
Buddha Pears
Bart Elbers
[email protected]
www.Buddhapears.com
More information:
Buddha Pears
Bart Elbers
[email protected]
www.Buddhapears.com