Description

The pear is a sophisticated fruit celebrated for its elegant bell shape and unique, meltingly smooth texture. Unlike apples, many pears have a characteristic “buttery” flesh and a subtle, floral sweetness. Whether poached in wine, sliced over a sharp gorgonzola salad, or enjoyed fresh and juicy, they bring a refined touch to any meal.

Pears are ancient fruits native to Coastal and Mild Temperate regions of the Old World, from Western Europe to Eastern Asia. They were cultivated by the Romans, who ate them raw, cooked, or dried. In the 17th and 18th centuries, pear cultivation reached its peak in France and Belgium, where master gardeners developed hundreds of the buttery varieties we still enjoy today, such as the Anjou and Bosc.

Pears are a hallmark of Late Summer and Autumn. Most varieties are harvested from August through October. Interestingly, most pears do not ripen on the tree; they are picked while firm and require a period of cool storage followed by room temperature to reach their perfect, buttery consistency.