A pineapple pear, known botanically as pyrus communis, is a pear with green and brown coloring, and a flavor that is similar to that of a pineapple. These types of pears are widely used in making jams, jellies, juices, cocktails, salads and many other food recipes that require cooking with pears. Pineapple pears are also a good choice for canning.
It is possible to cultivate pineapple pears in many different parts of the world as these fruit trees are quite hardy and capable of withstanding different climatic and soil conditions. They are deciduous trees, with mostly vertical branching, and can be planted from seeds or from grafted rootstock. Commercial cultivators generally prefer the rootstock as, compared to seeds, it is more reliable in the quality of fruit it will eventually produce.
When growing pear trees, it is important to plant in a spacious area as pear trees can reach heights of 25 feet (7.62 m) and more. They do well in a fertile, well-drained soil and require exposure to at least six hours of full sunlight daily. Pineapple pear trees do not require much maintenance, although it will help if they are fertilized every couple of years and are sprayed with pesticides and anti-bacterial sprays to prevent pest infestation and the bacterial disease fire blight that pineapple pear trees are prone to; this disease causes the branch tips to wither and turn black.
The pineapple pear tree produces pink and white flowers. It is self-pollinating, although it helps to have another pollinator nearby, and the pineapple pear fruits grow in clusters. The fruits usually ripen in August.
The pineapple pear fruits should not be allowed to ripen on the tree, but rather should be picked when they are still green and hard. Each pear should be wrapped in paper or cloth and placed carefully in a box and stored in a cool, dark place. The ripening process is carried out in storage to allow the fruit to ripen more evenly. It is important not to store the pineapple pears close to any pungent substances as the fruits can easily absorb other smells.
Taste- and health-wise, pineapple pears are excellent to eat. The fruits are rich in essential vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E, and in minerals like iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, chlorine and calcium. The fruits are also hypo-allergenic, which means that most people, especially children and infants, can safely eat them.