Crossword Genius

What a disheartened pedlar has to eat? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pear

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'has to eat?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'what a disheartened pedlar' is the wordplay.
'what a disheartened' suggests removing the centre (the middle or heart is removed).
'pedlar' with its centre taken out is 'PEAR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pear that I've seen before include "Brand" , "Tapering fleshy fruit - reap it" , "Fruit tree" , "Tasty fruit to reap" , "Fruit; sounds like duo" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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