Pears

Pears are one of the world's favourite fruits and are a member of the rose family.  They have been cultivated for nearly four thousand years.  More than 95% of the pears sold in the United States are grown in Washington, Oregon or Northern California and are available year-round.  There are more than 3,000 varieties of pears grown in the world. Bartlett pears are the most popular and are used for dried pear products and canning. 60% of all Bartlett pears grown in the United States come from California. 

Nutrition:  Pears are fat free, saturated fat free, sodium free, cholesterol free, an excellent source of dietary fiber and a good source of vitamin C. Pears are a good source of soluble fibre, which can help prevent constipation. Soluble fibre may also help reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.

In Season:  Pears are available year-round in many markets, though their peak season begins in late summer and lasts through January.

What to Look For:  Pears vary in color depending on the variety, from green-yellow Comice to pink-blushed Bartletts to pebbly copper-brown Boscs. Choose pears that are firm with no soft spots or blemishes then check the neck for ripeness daily by applying gentle pressure to the stem end of the pear with your thumb. When it yields to the pressure, it’s ready to eat..

How to Store:  Pears are unique in that they are best when picked unripe and then allowed to ripen off the tree. Choose hard pears and store in a paper bag at room temperature.  Refrigerate ripe pears.

Did you know?  Unlike most other fruits, pears don't ripen well on the tree. Instead, pears are harvested when mature and are allowed to finish ripening under controlled conditions.