Home-grown Japanese pear officially launched

THE NASHI, or Japanese pear, was officially launched in Cyprus yesterday by Agriculture Minister, Demetris Eliades
Speaking at a news conference, Eliades said the Nashi, which is being grown in Kyperounda, promoted good health and is considered one of the most nutritious fruits in the world.
The pear was first researched as a viable fruit for Cyprus in the 1990s.
The plan to bring this specific foreign fruit to Cyprus was not completely out of the blue. “One of the main reasons we chose the fruit is because it’s healthy,” said Solomos Argirou, a producer of the pear in Kyperounda.
According to studies, the Nashi aids in the well-being of the heart and is considered 7th amongst the top 19 so-called superfoods in the world, containing beneficial substances such as antioxidants. It is also a source of dietary fibre and contains nearly 10 per cent of the US recommended daily dosage of Vitamin C.
The first trees were brought to Cyprus in 1995 and planted along the Kyperounda hillsides. It was discovered that the soil in Kyperounda, and its climate, were ideal for the cultivation of the Nashi.
Argirou, one of the fruit’s main producers who was also involved with the plans that brought the Japanese pear to Cyprus, explained how one of the first things they had to look at was whether it was cost effective as they also had to make sure that it was within their budget to begin such a venture.
It was, and the plants were ultimately imported from California, but so far only five to 10 per cent of Kyperounda farms are growing the fruit.
Argirou also explained that they wanted to cultivate a new fruit, as well as one that would fit in with the fruit of the surrounding area. He also said studies were being carried out to determine the processing potential of the fruit to make jam and liquor.
“The Ministry of Agriculture encourages such efforts and is ready to support its farmers in their efforts to create new paths that lead to quality produce and something that consumers want,” said the Eliades at yesterday’s news conference.
The Japanese pear is a distant relative of our own pear and indigenous to places like China and Japan. It is also juicier and crunchier than its European counterpart. According to Argirou it can be refrigerated for up to four months without its taste or appearance being affected.
Nashi are available on the Cypriot market for between €3 and €3.50 per kilo, which is slightly more expensive than a local European pear, at €2.95 per kilo. The Nashi will be available in local fruit markets, such as Prino, in Nicosia.

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