China's lucky Buddha pears become best-selling fruit in Vietnam

A Buddha shaped pear is displayed at an orchard in Weixian county, Hebei province. Photo: Reuters

(SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST) Lucky pears shaped like Buddhas have become the best-selling fruit in Vietnam, according to reports.

The bizarre creations, which first emerged on the market in 2009, have been flying off the shelves ahead of the Lunar New Year, when they are sometimes given as gifts.

They have become particularly popular at markets in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnamese media reported.

Chinese farmer Gao Xianzhang, who spent six years perfecting the pear-growing technique, said he was inspired by a Chinese myth about a lucky Buddha-shaped fruit.

The pears are popular as gifts for Lunar New Year. Photo: Reuters

He fixed plastic moulds of laughing Buddhas around the fruit until they filled them before selling the cute figurines for about 50 Yuan (HK$60) each. Customers can also purchase baby-shaped pears.

The sweet treats, which contain preservatives, can last for up to three months. They are also being sold online to customers living outside Asia.

Mr Xianzhang said friends initially told him he was “crazy” when he began growing the pears - until they saw his impressive profits.

Commenting on his creations, he told Reuters: “People called me crazy. They said I was whimsical and it was impossible to grow baby-shaped fruits.

“They told me to stop wasting my time and money.”