Varieties

Bartlett

This large, bell-shaped fruit is very juicy and has white flesh. Both the red and green varieties are equally delicious. They're perfect for making jams or canning.

D'Anjou

Rounder with a shorter neck, the D'Anjou is sweet with a mild flavour. It's very juicy with yellow-white flesh. D'Anjous are available in two shades: yellow-green and maroon red, although there is no flavour difference.

Bosc

The Bosc pear is slender and features a long neck. The taste is rich and nutty with a firm, crunchy and dense yellow-white flesh and a tan or yellow-brown exterior. It's great for baking or poaching because of its shape, flavour and texture.

Comice

These pears have a short neck and stem. Comice pears are greenish-yellow in colour and are perfect for eating on their own or with a yogourt dip, in salads, desserts or with cheeses.

Forelle

Smaller than most varieties, the Forelle looks like a mini-Bartlett. Forelles are usually green skinned with red freckles. When it ripens, the skin turns golden yellow with bright red freckles. It isn't really sweet or juicy, but makes a great presentation fruit - perfect for garnishing.

Availability

• All year round, with peak season in late summer and fall.

Purchasing

• Look for pears with colouring characteristic of their variety.
• Pears should have clean smooth skins and free from cuts and bruises.
• A ripe pear is one that is still slightly firm and gives a bit at the stem-end.

Storage

• Ripe pears spoil easily, so refrigerate them and use within a couple of days of purchase.
• To hasten the ripening process store pears in a brown paper bag. Ripe pears can spoil easily and their flavour is best when cool.
• Handle pears with care to avoid bruising.

Preparation/Cooking

• Rinse under cool running water prior to use.
• Do not peel or core until ready to use.
• 1 lb pears is equal to:
  - 2 large pears
  - 3 medium pears
  - 2 1/2 cups sliced pears
  - 2 1/3 diced pears
  - 1 3/4 cups pear puree

Tips

• When transporting pears in a picnic or for lunch, wrap in a few layers of paper towel to avoid bruising.