Pears (Pyrus communis) are a pome fruit relative of the apple.
Pear
There are more than 3000 known varieties in the world. US production comes
from states in the Northwest, plus New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and
California. Imports come from South America, Canada, New Zealand, and South
Africa.
Varieties
There are several varieties of pair including Anjou, Bartlett, Bose, Comice,
Forelle, and Seckel. These fruits have a sweet, rich flavor and come in a
variety of colors including green, golden yellow and red. Among these varieties
there are only subtle differences in flavor and texture.
Pear Varieties
Pears come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors from tiny Seckels to
long-necked Boscs to colorful Red Bartletts. Check out their availability and
use below.
Green Anjou — Available October through June
Firm and green, even when ripe; this large, thin-skinned yellowish-green pear is
best eaten fresh. When slightly under-ripe, it can be baked or poached, but once
it ripens, its sweet, mellow flavor and abundant juice make it an excellent
choice for salads and snacks.
Red Anjou — Available October through May
Much the same flavor, use and texture as the green Anjou. Red Anjous (generally
dark, maroon red in color) show little to no change in color as they ripen,
which is another characteristic shared with their Green Anjou counterparts. Red
Anjous are recognizable for their near egg-shaped appearance.
Yellow Bartlett — Available August through December
One of the most common and popular pears, this large, bell-shaped all-purpose
pear has a yellow skin sometimes blushed with pale red. It is very sweet, juicy,
aromatic and perfect for salads, eating fresh, and excellent for canning or
cooking. It holds its shape and flavor in baking and cooking.
Red Bartlett — Available August through December
Firm, bright red skin, very sweet and juicy when ripe. This variety is a bit
smaller, with the same flavor, texture, and use as yellow Bartletts. They make
an excellent choice as a color accent in a fresh-fruit dessert or salad.
Bosc — Available August through April
The Bosc has a firm, dense, yet tender flesh with brown skin that hides a
deliciously, sweet and spicy flavor. Its dense flesh makes it ideal for baking
and cooking. Color doesn't change as it ripens, excellent for baking. Its mild,
not-too-sweet flavor is great for microwave recipes, salads, and snacks.
Comice — Available August through March
Is hard, green, and rounder than a Bartlett, but similar in flavor and texture.
One of the largest, sweetest and juiciest varieties. Best used fresh in salads,
served as an elegant dessert pear, or as an excellent accompaniment with cheese.
Forelle — Available September through February
Slightly larger than a Seckel, with freckled skin and a red blush. For what they
lack in size, Forelle pears make up in sweet flavor and beautiful appearance.
They're an excellent snack or lunch-box pear…sweet, juicy, and crisp.
Seckel — Available Late July - Late January
A very small pear and also very sweet this is a great choice and option to get
the kids to eat fruit. A greenish red color when ripe.
Storing
If pears are unripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for 2 to 3
days or store them in a ventilated fruit bowl in a cool, dark place, and
refrigerate as soon as they ripen. Ripe pears should be stored in the
refrigerator in a plastic bag up to 3 days. They continue to ripen after
harvest.