Is the apple pear a genetically modified or a mutated variety?

The apple pear is one of China's fine pear varieties, mainly produced in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province, and is named for looking very much like an apple. So, is the apple pear genetically modified or mutated?

1. Is the apple pear genetically modified or mutated?

The apple pear is not genetically modified; it is a natural variety produced by crossbreeding plus grafting, and it was already being sold in large quantities on the market decades ago, back when no one had yet begun researching genetic modification. The apple pear is a pear, not an apple; it is only because its shape looks somewhat like an apple that it got its name, and it cannot be deemed genetically modified for that reason.

2. When does the apple pear bloom and bear fruit?

The apple pear is a specialty of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin Province. It blooms in mid-May each year, and the fruit ripens from late September to early October. Young trees bear fruit after growing for 4—5 years, and enter the full-bearing period at 8—9 years. The apple pear has long enjoyed the fine reputation of “the finest of the northern pears,” and is characterized by cold resistance and high yield, refreshing and sweet fruit, excellent quality and good storability.

3. Quality characteristics of the apple pear

The apple pear has a flattened round shape, with a dotted red blush on the surface of the fruit; the fruit is large, with an average single-fruit weight of 254.31—238.78 grams, and the largest can reach 700 grams; the skin is yellow-green, with a bright red blush on the sunny side; the flesh is pure white and tender, the core is small, it is rich in water and juice, and its taste is sweet, with the edible portion accounting for 85.9%, making it top quality. It is easy to store: in an ordinary cellar it can be kept for 8—9 months, and in a proper cold storage room it can be kept until the new fruit comes on the market.