Pêra Rocha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 'Rocha' Pear |
|
|---|---|
Portuguese grown 'Rocha' Pear
|
|
| Genus | Pyrus |
| Species | Pyrus communis |
| Cultivar | 'Rocha' |
| Origin | Sintra, Portugal |
The Pêra Rocha (say "PEH-rah HAW-shah") is a special type of pear that comes from Portugal. Its name means "rock pear" because of its firm, crunchy texture. This pear variety was first discovered way back in 1836 on a farm in Sintra, Portugal. It was found by chance from a seed on Pedro António Rocha's farm, and that's how it got its name!
Today, the 'Rocha' pear is grown in many parts of Portugal. There are over 9,000 farmers who grow this pear, and the total area used for growing them is bigger than 100 square kilometers!
Contents
What is the 'Rocha' Pear?
The 'Rocha' pear is a medium-sized fruit, usually between 5.5 and 7.5 centimeters. It has an oval, pear-like shape. The skin is thin and smooth, and its color can be yellow or green. A cool thing about this pear is the "russeting," which looks like a rough, brownish patch around the stem. This is a normal and typical feature of the 'Rocha' pear.
Inside the 'Rocha' Pear
When you cut open a 'Rocha' pear, you'll see its pulp (the inside part) is white. It's known for being very hard and firm, which makes it super crunchy when you bite into it. It's also very juicy and sweet, making it a delicious snack!
Protecting the 'Rocha' Pear
Some 'Rocha' pears grown in the Oeste region of Portugal have a special status called "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO). This means that only pears grown in this specific area, following certain rules, can be called Pêra Rocha do Oeste. This status helps protect the quality and reputation of these special pears. It's like a special label that tells you where the pear came from and that it meets high standards. This PDO status was given to the 'Rocha' pear in 2003.
Common Pear Challenges
Like many fruits, 'Rocha' pears can sometimes get sick. They are quite sensitive to two common plant diseases: pear scab (caused by Venturia pyrina) and Stemphylium vesicarium. Farmers work hard to keep their pear trees healthy and protect them from these issues.
'Rocha' Pears Around the World
The 'Rocha' pear is very popular, not just in Portugal but also in many other countries. In 2004, over 13.5 million kilograms of 'Rocha' pears from the Oeste region were sent to countries all over the world. Some of the countries that enjoy these pears include Britain, Brazil, France, Ireland, Russia, Poland, the Netherlands, Canada, and Spain. This shows how much people love the unique taste and crunch of the 'Rocha' pear!
