Good Things Come in Pears especially Donnybrook Pears

Pears featured at the 2023 Long Table Lunch in Donnybrook last Saturday.

Pomewest was one of the two gold sponsors of the event to support the local pome industry and growers in the region. The Chair, Jason Jarvis, and committee members, Sam Licciardello, Mark Scott, and the project Manager, Susie Murphy White, were also present. Special Guest, Industry Royalty, Dr Helen Cripps, attended to network with local growers.

Nardia Stacy, the executive manager, presented at the event to discuss the value and impact of growing local produce on the general public.

Taking the opportunity to highlight that over 50% of pears grown for the local market were sourced from Donnybrook and surrounding towns. She also mentioned that pears are a fruit often overlooked and forgotten on the shelves, even though they shouldn't be. She explained the best way to purchase pears at the store and ripen them at home, their versatility, and the benefits of good fibre and gut health. Pears are also an excellent $ value per piece compared to other fresh produce.

They can be used in smoothies, breakfast, snacks, salads, cakes, desserts, and grazing platters. They team up nicely and complement other foods because they are not overpowering. Pears are gentle on the digestive system, crucial for maintaining good gut health, and full of fiber and vitamin C for immunity. They make for a great snack, whether crunchy or soft and juicy and are a great snack choice anytime. Pears also represent excellent value compared to other fresh produce.

Nardia also gave away some spot prizes of Australian Pear recipe books and asked the audience what their favorite pear was, and how they liked to eat and enjoy pears, Particularly finding suggestive ways to pair them with other yummy ingredients.

Nardia thanked the event organizers, particularly the Taste Donnybrook Team and the Licciardello family and team at Orchard 1Sixty, for their passion and contributions to the unique event.