California Pear Season Is Here — So Why Are Imports Still Here?
About this episode
Dan Avakian revisits a conversation with Chris Zanobini about the challenges facing California pear growers amidst the influx of imported pears.
Dan doesn't usually replay past episodes, but this is one that deserves another look. While Dan is on the road this week, he's bringing back an important conversation with Chris Zanobini of the California Pear Advisory Board, originally recorded this past April. Now that California pear season is in full swing and the challenges discussed in this interview still persist, we felt it was important to bring this conversation back to the forefront and raise even more awareness. This week on Fresh From The Field Fridays... Dan is joined by Chris Zanobini from the California Pear Advisory Board. They're digging into what's really going on with imported pears flooding the market just as California pears, especially Bartletts, are coming into season. The discussion also explores the use of 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) , a postharvest treatment used on some imported pears to slow ripening and extend storage life. In contrast, California pear growers have chosen not to use 1-MCP, believing consumers deserve the naturally ripened, sweet, juicy eating experience California Bartlett pears are known for. You'll hear what this means for California growers, what you're seeing at retail, and why…
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