Fall Pears You Should Taste
- By Chris Mittelstaedt
- Reading Time: 2 mins.
We love pears not only for their form, but also for their function—buttery as a fine chardonnay, subtly perfumed, and meltingly tender, a perfectly ripe pear can be a sublime eating experience.
From the velvety sophistication of the diminutive Seckel pear to the juice-gushing delight of a ripe Bartlett, there is a variety of pear to fit almost every taste.
The key to enjoying a pear is ripening. Pears are picked hard and continue to ripen off of the tree. Most varieties will taste their best when the neck gives to gentle pressure.
Pears to Try This Fall
Here’s a list of some of our favorite pears, many of which you will find in the coming weeks and months in our Harvest boxes across the country.
Forelle
Forelle means “trout” in German. But never fear—this pear doesn’t taste like fish! “Forelle” refers to the pear’s coloring, which resembles a trout’s—a red blush speckled with dots known as lenticels. This old European variety is small in size and sweet in character, making it a perfect treat to tuck inside a child’s lunch box.
Seckel
The Seckel is the smallest commercially-grown pear. It stays a bit crisp even when ripe, and is so sweet that it’s sometimes called a “sugar pear.”
Bosc
Boscs taste good when they are still firm. Perfect to pair with a sharp cheese. Discovered in the early 1800s and named after M. Bosc, a cultivator and the eventual director of the Paris Botanical Garden, the Bosc pear is the most handsome and distinctive variety. It features a long, graceful neck and all-over russeting.
Bartlett
This remarkably juicy pear has a flavor that is the very essence of pear-dom. Because it’s so tender, it breaks down easily when cooked and makes a terrific pear sauce.
D’Anjou
D’Anjou pears are one of the most commonly cultivated pears in the U.S. Unlike the super tender Bartlett, these sweet, oval pears hold their shape, making them great for salads or pear tarts. They come in green and red varieties.
Comice
This exquisitely flavorful, creamy pear makes a great treat eaten out of hand. Eat it with soft cheese, or try poaching a few with ginger and vanilla for an elegant dessert.
A Pear a Day
Pears are a healthy snack. They are low in calories and have one of the highest fiber contents among all fruits. Fiber aids digestion and can help prevent colon cancer.
Pears (especially their skin) are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. These can help cells stay healthy and ward off chronic disease.
Pears come into their peak season in fall, but to preserve their bounty for months to come, try your hand at canning them, like my wife’s great aunt Marie who did it for more than 80 years.
Each season brings the joys of new fruits and flavors. As always, check your regional mix to see what’s in your box this week.
