Apples

Apples flourish in the colder regions of Central - Southern Chile. More than 20 different species are grown in these regions.

Chile apple exports include such varieties as Royal Gala, Braeburn and Fuji, all of which are red-skinned varieties renowned for their firm pulp and excellent flavor.

Apples from Chile are available from late January until October.

Varieties

This variety has a brilliant green color and a firm texture, and it has a sweet-acid taste.

This variety is similar to the Fuji, but its skin has a more brilliant color and is somewhat thicker. It has a very firm texture.

This variety has an elongated size and a deep red color all over the apple. Its pulp is very firm.

Storage

Apples continue maturing after harvest time, and for that reason it is important to keep them continuously Apples continue maturing after harvest time, and for that reason it is important to keep them continuously
Apples should be treated very delicately, to avoid bruising and to keep their skin intact.

Exhibition

	According to the varieties and their colors, attractive and eye-catching displays can be fashioned.
	The apples should all be firm and moderately hard.
	To make sure the apple is crunchy and tasty; its skin should be bright and not show any imperfections – except for a few spots
	typical of certain varieties
	Generally green apples are more delicate than red varieties
	It is best to display apples in a refrigerated case. The relative humidity will reduce the growth of harmful organisms and increase
	shelf life. It is important to remember that apples soften up ten times as fast at 72°F (22°C) than at 32°F (0°C). It is therefore
	important to keep the apples refrigerated when the store is closed in order to prolong their shelf life.

Regions of Production

V region - Valparaíso
Metropolitan region - Santiago
VI region - Rancagua
VII region - Maule
VIII region - Bío Bío

Availibility

February through December.

Pears

Pears are cultivated in central regions of Chile. Sixteen different types of pears are grown in Chile, but they all have two things in common: outstanding flavor and an intensive aroma. Chile markets 10 per cent of the world’s pears. Chilean Pears are available from January to October. 

Varieties

They are sensitive to bruising. Color changes indicate maturity level from green to yellow color.

Large necked and with a golden green color. With ripening, color becomes darker. Very fragrant, with white pulp, creamy and juicy.

Storage

Pears have a storage life of about 1 - 5 months.
Storage temperature should be 32° F (0°C), with a relative humidity of about 90 - 95%.
Don’t place cases on humid floors, to prevent spoilage. Don’t stack cases more than five or six levels high, to prevent overstacking.
Pears mature in 3 to 5 days after removal from cold storage.
Once mature, they last a couple of days.

Exhibition

The greener the pear, the more durable it is, and so is ideal for display purposes.
Easy to mature if they are green, ready to eat if they are yellow.
Handle pears very carefully once they are mature.

Regions of Production

IV region - Coquimbo
V region - Valparaíso
Metropolitan region - Santiago
VI region - Rancagua
VII region - Maule
VIII region - Bío Bío

Availibility

January through October.