Pears

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USA Pears

USA Pears: A little history, a lot of flavor.

For those whose palates thirst for flavors beyond the ordinary, it’s time to re-introduce yourself to the elegant, the classic, the sublime pear.

Hailed as a “gift of the gods” by the Greek poet Homer in The Odyssey, the venerable pear has graced diverse civilizations for more than four thousand years. Today, the U.S. is the third largest pear producing country in the world, and the orchards of Oregon and Washington in particular allow this old-world delight to flourish to perfection in their pastoral terrain.

Moisture from meandering rivers and glacial snowmelt feeds the region's nutrient-rich volcanic soil to make the perfect foundation for pear tree nourishment. With these ideal growing conditions, it's no wonder the pear growers of the Pacific Northwest produce over 80 percent of the nation's fresh pears and they're available almost year-round. A rich history and a richer earth make these USA Pears a tantalizing temptation to the cultivated palate.

The Pear Primer

There are ten primary varieties of USA Pears grown in the Pacific Northwest that can be used in any type of cuisine as well as for eating fresh out of hand. Visit www.usapears.org or www.pearpanache.com for insPEARation!

Green Anjou - Refreshingly sweet and juicy with a hint of citrus.
Red Anjou - Juicy and fresh with a sweet-tart finish.
Bartlett - Quintessential pear flavor and aroma with abundant juice.
Red Bartlett - Juicy and aromatic with a supple sweetness.
Bosc - Crisp and woodsy with a honey sweetness.
Comice - Succulent, buttery, and exceptionally sweet.
Concorde - Crunchy and earthy with a hint of vanilla.
Forelle - Crisp, tangy, and refreshingly sweet.
Seckel - Bite-sized, crunchy, and ultra-sweet.
Starkrimson - Aromatic, moist, and sweet with a floral essence.

The Time is Ripe

A little known fact about the pear is that it is one of the few fruits that does not ripen on the tree. The pear is harvested when it is mature, but not yet ripe, and, if left at room temperature, it slowly reaches a sweet and succulent maturity as it ripens from the inside out. As tempting as the pear might be right from the grocer’s stand, a little bit of patience and know-how will ensure the pear reaches its peak flavor.

So, how do you know when the pear has ripened to sweet and juicy perfection? While a Bartlett’s skin color brightens as it ripens, most varieties of pears show little change in color. The best way to judge ripeness for non-Bartlett varieties is to Check the Neck™. Apply gentle pressure to the neck of the pear with your thumb. If it yields to pressure, it’s ripe. Once the pear is ripe, it can be refrigerated to slow the ripening process and saved for use up to five days later.

Healthy and Indulgent

While the pear’s flavor profile is an easy indulgence for your taste buds, its flavor and versatility is only half the story! One medium sized pear is an excellent source of fiber at 6 g per serving, or 24% the daily recommended allowance for most adults. It’s also a good source of vitamin C at 7 mg per serving, which is 10% of the daily recommended allowance. And, with no fat, no cholesterol, and no sodium, this 100 calorie treat can be considered a healthy part of a nutritious diet.

Information brought to you by USA Pears