The conversation among Pacific Northwest fruit growers tends to focus on the fresh market, where returns are generally more favorable. A very small percentage of apples and cherries are sold for processing—usually the lesser grade fruit. Pears are the exception. Winter pear marketing is consistent with apples and cherries, but Bartlett pears are sold primarily for processing. A significant market for canned pears was established during the mid 1900s when canning provided the best way to preserve fruit for consumption during the winter and spring months. Canned pears, peaches, apples, cherries, and mixed fruits developed as staples for the pantry […]