One of the smallest pears in the world is on sale exclusively at Marks & Spencer.
Tiny Pears, or Bambinella, are just 25-45mm wide, the size of a large cherry, and are grown in Malta. They have been around since Roman times but have not been on sale in the UK before.
Traditionally grown around the Mediterranean, this variety has become a local delicacy because of its sweet taste and slightly crunchy texture. As well as being small, they have a slight red blush and M&S recommends eating them straight from the fridge.
Bambinella will be grown in the UK for the first time ever next year, when suppliers in Kent produce them exclusively for M&S. The National Fruit collection at Brogdale has two Bambinella Trees in its collection
M&S pear specialist Emmett Lunny said: “These Tiny Pears are as delicious as they are eye-catching and will be great for lunchboxes as well as for those who want to liven up the look of their fruit bowl. They have a really sweet flavour and a wonderful crunchiness which makes biting into them straight from the fridge a joy.”
The pears went on sale last week in selected stores, priced at £2.49 for 220g.
