Pears – Sweet Pleasures of Autumn

Pears are one of the world’s most alluring fruits with their voluptuous contour and buttery textured flesh. A perfectly ripe, luscious pear is without peer as a sweet pleasure of autumn. This ancient fruit captured the praise of the well-known Greek poet, Homer (8th century B.C.), who referred to pears as a “gift of the gods.” The Romans developed over 50 varieties of pears and introduced the cultivated pear to Europe.

The California Bartlett is an ancestor of a pear originating in Berkshire, England from the 17th century. California-grown pears include Bartlett, Bosc, Sekel, Comice, Starkrimson (red pears), D’Anjou, Forelle, Packhams, Taylor’s Gold, and Warren.

Pears are extremely versatile fruits, equally delicious eaten out-of-hand or sliced and served as an appetizer with your favorite cheese. Pears can be used in salads (raw or roasted), made into jams, jellies, or chutneys, poached in wine or simple flavored syrups, or used as a filling in baked goods for dessert. Ripe pears are delicious in fresh fruit salsas. Use overripe pears in smoothies.

Here are some intriguing pear facts to pique your interest:

  • There are over 3,000 pear varieties cultivated worldwide, with popular favorites like Bartlett, Warren, Bosc, and Anjou leading the pack.
  • The United States proudly claims its position as the world’s largest pear producer.
  • Pears have earned the charming moniker ‘butter fruit’ due to their delightfully soft and creamy texture.
  • Each and every pear in the United States is meticulously hand-picked to prevent bruising, given their delicate nature.
  • In early Europe, pear leaves were used for smoking long before the introduction of tobacco.
  • Bartlett pears made their way to California thanks to the gold miners of 1849, adding a touch of sweetness to the Golden State.
  • A medium-sized pear packs just 98 calories and is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a rich source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

The California Pear Advisory Board reports that pears provide a variety of nutrients, including important vitamins and minerals. One medium Bartlett pear provides 16 percent of the daily requirement for dietary fiber (4 grams) and 10 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C. Fresh pears are a healthful source of potassium, contain no cholesterol or sodium, and are virtually fat-free.

GUIDE TO PEAR VARIETIES

Here’s a guide to help you select the pears you like best.

Asian Pear
Origin: Cultivated in Japan for over 3,000 years.
Description: Asian pears are sweet and super juicy, with a crisp texture similar to that of an apple. They are excellent for adding a special zest to salads or pairing with cheese. These pears are perfect for fresh eating out of hand.

Bartlett
Origin: An English heirloom pear dating back to 1765.
Description: Bartlett pears are known for their classic pear flavor, juicy bite, and buttery goodness. They are a favorite for canning and eating fresh.

Bosc
Origin: Originally from France and first planted in the US during the 1820s.
Description: Bosc pears are a bronze beauty with a sweet and fall spice flavor. They have notes of cinnamon and nutmeg and offer a crisp, juicy texture. Bosc pears are great for eating and are a favorite for poaching.

Comice
Origin: Originating in France in the mid-1800s.
Description: Comice pears are succulent, buttery, and exceptionally sweet, making them perfect for snacking. They are also excellent for salads and pair wonderfully with cheese.

Red D’Anjou
Origin: Fiery red on the outside with a zesty, citrus-like flavor.
Description: Red D’Anjou pears have a pleasant sweetness and a crisp, juicy bite. They pair nicely with sharp cheddar or aged gouda cheeses, as well as Sauvignon Blanc or Syrah wines.

Taylor’s Gold
Origin: Discovered in New Zealand in 1986, thought to be a hybrid of Bosc and Comice pears.
Description: Taylor’s Gold pears have a crisp, smooth texture that is extremely juicy and sweet. They are a delightful addition to any fruit selection.

Warren, an American Heirloom Pear
Origin: Originally from Mississippi.
Description: Warren Pears are prized by chefs for their super sweet flavor and smooth texture. These pears are tender, juicy, and just melt in your mouth. They are a must-try for pear lovers and make an excellent dessert pear.

You’ll find local pears at Prevedelli Farms, Pinnacle, Webb’s Farm, and Mora Family Farm.

RECIPES: Click here for delicious pear recipes!

GUIDE: How to Choose the Right Pears for Eating Fresh and Cooking

 

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