Abate Fetel pears feted at New York gastronomic event
Abate Fetel pears feted at New York gastronomic event
The legendary pear of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region was the star of a tasting event for produce professionals that took place Nov. 13 at Eataly NYC in New York.
A specially designed meal prepared by Eataly NYC's Chef Nicoletta Grippo was a gastronomic journey starting with a Prosecco and amuse-bouche reception, followed by a three-course tasting showcasing this versatile fruit, paired with Italian wines.
Long a favorite among European consumers, the slim, green-skinned, russet-tinged Abate Fetel pear from northeastern Italy is high in sugar with a white, aromatic flesh. It is considered a delicacy throughout Europe, served at Michelin-starred restaurants across the continent. It became available in the United States in 2013.
The tasting event was sponsored by Organizzazione Interprofessionale Pera, a trade group representing Italian pear producers that was established to promote the pear sector, especially the Abate Fetel variety, in Italy and in export markets worldwide.
The Eataly NYC event, focused on the Abate Fetel pear, comes in advance of the variety's arrival in U.S. points of sale.
At approximately 300,000 tons annually, Italy is the largest European producer of the Abate Fetel pear, and is among Europe's larger producers of fresh fruits and vegetable overall, making it a key player in the global produce market.
Virtually all of Europe's Abate Fetel pears are grown in the relatively small Emilia-Romagna region, a requirement for the coveted protected geographic indication designation. Available from September to April, the pear's russet coloration, flask-like shape, rounded base, and elongated neck give it a distinctive appearance. The pear is prized for its sweetness, juiciness and considerable nutritional value.
In addition, the Abate Fetel PGI pear can only be harvested at a specific stage of maturity and can only be sold when it achieves a specific sugar content, ensuring that every pear sold at retail meets the standards for quality and freshness.