Buddha Fruit

Branching out the Buddha: The Chinese orchard growing pears in the image of religion's founder

A pear grown in the shape of one of the world's most important spiritual teachers? You Buddha believe it.

These bizarre Buddha-shaped pears were invented by a farmer in China who is planning to export his novel idea to the UK.

Hao Xianzhang has created 10,000 of the mini marvels at his orchard this season and said he plans to take the fruits of his labour to Europe.

Hao spent six years perfecting the intricate baby pears, carefully crafting each one which grows inside an individual mould.

Despite their hefty cost of £5 each, locals in his home village of Hexia, in Hebia, northern China, have been snapping them up.

 'People seem to think they are cute or lucky and will buy them as soon as they're off the tree,' Hao explained.

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After years of effort, the farmer succeeded in creating the mini marvels and planned to take the fruits of his labour to the UK and Europe

The baby-shaped pears are put on display and have attracted a lot of customers

Gao spent six years perfecting the intricate baby-shaped pears, carefully crafting each one which grows inside an individual mould