In the Heart of Pear Country

The Wenatchee Valley is said to be the best place in the world to grow pears, so our Washington Grown team set out to check this claim for themselves. A visit to Bland Orchard in Pashastin had them believing this is true.

Bland Orchard is nestled in the Wenatchee Valley near the clean crisp waters of the Wenatchee River with the picturesque Cascade Mountains in the background. Tomás had the opportunity to visit with Vince and Lisa Bland, and their daughter Erica McConnell, to learn more about their multi-generational family farm and the pears they proudly grow.

The cold winters, wet springs and dry summers in the Valley provide a perfect climate for growing and ripening the pears. But even in this near-perfect climate, success isn’t guaranteed. Securing enough water through irrigation is a top priority – and an ongoing concern – for the Bland family each season.

“We don’t gamble because we gamble every day,” joked Lisa, “We do the snowpack dance each winter,” hoping for enough snow in the mountains to feed the irrigation ditches with sufficient water throughout the growing season.

In the fall, the Blands turn their focus to harvest season. Lisa showed Tomás how to identify if a pear is ripe. It’s not by its color, but by the pressure of the pear around its stem. “The softer the pear (near its stem), the riper it will be,” explained Lisa.

“Beautiful land, beautiful product and beautiful family,” said Tomás as the team wrapped up their visit.

Bland Orchard is one shining example of many that make Washington the #1 U.S. producer of pears. And not only are they a great-looking and delicious-tasting fruit, but they are also considered a “powerhouse fruit” packed with fiber, vitamins and many beneficial nutrients.

Whether enjoyed straight off the tree or baked into a favorite recipe, pears are a wholesome and versatile choice for your next healthy snack or meal.