Pear Shaped Perfection

<p>There’s a new kid on the chopping block that’s tipped to redefine how Australians perceive pears. It’s a big call but the Rico Pear boasts a striking blush colour and a surprising crunch. Marketing experts have described it as ‘unlike anything you’ve tasted before’. So, if you thought maybe pears had fallen out of favour, there’s a team of people working hard to change your mind. Our guest today is a Research Leader at Agriculture Victoria’s Tatura SmartFarm, Ian Goodwin. We discuss:</p> <ul> <li>Ian’s favourite place at the Tatura SmartFarm where he works at an experimental sundial orchard.</li> <li>He explains what a SmartFarm does.</li> <li>The new Rico pear is unlike any other and Ian shares how it was developed.</li> <li>How the Rico pear differs from the pears we are used to seeing on supermarket shelves.</li> <li>It is a versatile fruit ranging from a hard crunch to melting flesh texture, depending on the storage of the fruit.</li> <li>The taste of this unique pear as well as the sort of growing conditions needed to maximise that distinctive Rico blush colour.</li> <li>How Ian has gone about spreading the word about this pear to see it widely stocked at shops.</li> <li>Pears have had a bit of a bad rap at times and Ian shares how he hopes the Rico will revamp the humble pear’s image.</li> <li>The origins of the name ‘Rico’ pear and what this process looks like.</li> <li>What Ian loves most about working in this field of innovation.</li> <li>The most unexpected thing to happen as he has developed new fruit varieties.</li> <li>Most common misconception about what Ian does as a SmartFarmer.</li> <li>The ultimate dream for the future.</li> </ul> <p>We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.</p> <p> </p> <p>Links:</p> <p><a href="https://angieasimus.com/">Angie Asimus</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/angieasimus/">Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram</a></p> <p><a href="https://farmers.org.au/">