What are Abate Fetel Pears? Taste, Nutrition, and Storage Tips

The Abate Fetel was developed in Italy by a monk who must’ve been promoted to abbot—abate. And yes, this pear looks like an abbot’s hat! It’s still popular in Italy today, more than 100 years later, but it also grows beautifully in California.

What are Abate Fetel Pears?

Abate Fetel pears are a medium to large pear variety recognized for their long, slender shape with a slight curve. They have smooth, yellow-green skin with red blushes and light brown freckles. The thick and light-brown stem leads into a white, semi-crisp flesh that melts in your mouth. These pears are completely edible, including the core, and are known for their sweet aroma. Just spit out the seeds as you snack!

Taste Profile

Abate Fetel pears are exceptionally sweet, with a rich honey flavor that makes them stand out. Their texture is velvety and creamy, especially as the pear ripens. This delicious combination makes Abate Fetel pears a favorite for eating fresh or using in recipes.

Nutritional Profile of Abate Fetel Pears

Pears, like other fruits, are loaded with vital nutrients that promote overall health and wellness. Here’s a detailed look at the perks of sinking your teeth into a medium-sized raw pear (178 grams).

Calories: A medium raw pear contains approximately 101 calories, so it’s a great low-calorie snack.

Protein: Each pear provides about 0.64 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, muscle growth, and more.

Fat: Pears are very low in fat, with about 0.25 grams per fruit. This makes them a heart-healthy choice.

Carbohydrates: A medium pear has about 27.1 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from natural sugars (17.4 grams). It’s a good source of energy that won’t spike your blood sugar as much as processed sugary snacks. 

Dietary Fiber: With approximately 5.52 grams of dietary fiber per fruit, pears help promote healthy digestion and keep you full. Fiber is also beneficial for heart health—it can help lower your cholesterol!

Vitamin C: One pear offers about 7.65 milligrams of Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system, skin health, and iron absorption, protecting you from infections.

Potassium: Each pear contains around 206 milligrams of potassium. This healthy mineral helps your muscles function and keeps your blood pressure in a healthy range.

Calcium: Pears only have about 6 milligrams of calcium per fruit, but a little is better than none! That small amount still helps keep your bones healthy and strong. 

Iron: Pears offer about 0.32 milligrams of iron per serving. Iron helps your blood transport oxygen and can help prevent anemia, a blood disorder triggered by a lack of functional red blood cells. 

Antioxidants: Pears are full of antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

Storage Tips

Unlike other fruits, pears ripen from the inside out, which can make it tricky to judge their ripeness. Instead of waiting for the whole pear to soften on the outside, test your Abate Fetel by pressing gently on the stem end with your thumb. If it gives, the pear should be ready to eat! Store your Abate fetel pears at room temperature until they ripen, then pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh.

FAQs

1. How long do ripe pears last in the refrigerator?
   Ripe pears can last up to five days in the refrigerator when stored at 35–45 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Can you freeze pears to extend their shelf life?
   Yes, you can freeze pears. Peel, core, and slice them before freezing to preserve their quality.
3. What are some popular ways to use Abate Fetel pears in cooking?
   Abate Fetel pears are great for eating fresh in salads, baking, poaching, or turning into preserves thanks to their extra-sweet, honey-like flavor.