Brand new fruit called papple set to go on sale in UK

London, May 19 (ANI): A new fruit described as a pear disguised as an apple, is set to hit the market in the UK next week.

According to Marks and Spencer, the fruit - dubbed a 'papple' - looks and tastes like an apple but has the skin and texture of a pear, and is a member of the pear family.

The fruit is yet to be named, but it is being referred to as T109 until its official name is decided, a spokeswoman said.

"This is one of the most exciting new varieties of fruit we have seen for several years," Sky News quoted M 'n' S fruit expert Shazad Rehman as saying.

"We know our customers like to try new and interesting fruit and we hope this will be something they will really enjoy," he stated.

The new fruit follows the introduction of the so-called "pineberry" to Waitrose stores in 2010.

The fruit looks like a white strawberry but has flesh tasting of pineapple.

T109 is grown in New Zealand and is a cross between European and Asian pear varieties, which resulted in a fruit similar to an apple.

"It's got a lovely refreshing taste, perfect for snacking on, and a fun alternative to an apple a day," Rehman said.

M 'n' S hopes to grow the pear in the UK from 2015.

T109 will be available in M 'n' S stores from next week priced at 1 pounds each. (ANI)