New research into why pears rot faster than apples has been published by a team of scientists at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.
The researchers, led by Pieter Verboven, used powerful X-ray machines to look at the tiny pores and channels that transfer air through the two fruits.
These structures in pears were found to be different, meaning the fruit became 'out of breath' faster than apples did.
The results of the study are expected to help improve storage strategies for pear producers and exporters, as well as reducing wastage.
'If we know how the pears get into storage, we can better predict how they will behave,' Mr Verboven told BBC News.
Download a copy of the research paper here
More information at BBC News
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