A new and convenient pear conditioning system results in ripe pears with more flavor and aroma than conventional ­conditioning methods, a New Zealand researcher reports. Dr. Keith Sharrock of HortResearch conducted tests at Underwood Fruit Company, White Salmon, Washington, with an aerosol can containing ethylene, which he calls an “ethylene release capsule.” The device is designed to treat a pallet of pears and is a larger version of devices he invented for conditioning pears by the individual box or clamshell. The capsule contains an internal valve that releases compressed ethylene at a constant rate for up to seven days. Sharrock […]