Imagine you’re strolling through an orchard of pear trees laden with bright green fruit. Then, you spot a surprise from the corner of your eye: A branch of red pears on a green pear tree! Legend has it that’s exactly how the first Starkrimson pear was discovered in the 1950s. It appeared by chance in a Missouri orchard, and it’s been a favorite of pear lovers (and office fruit delivery companies like The FruitGuys) ever since.
The Starkrimson pear is a sweet, mild pear with red skin and dense white flesh. It has a classically bodacious pear shape and a thick woody stem. It’s sometimes called the Red Clapp’s pear because it’s a “sport” or chance mutation of the Clapp’s Favorite pear tree, which normally grows green pears. Look for them in your office fruit bowl in August at the start of the pear season.
This special pear got its name from a combination of Stark Bro’s—the nursery where it first appeared—and its bright crimson color. You might also see it called the Red Clapp’s pear, Red Crimson pear, or even just the Red pear. The latter can get a little confusing, as some grocery stores will label any red variety as simply “Red.” Luckily, you can usually spot a Starkrimson by its bold all-over red color, sharply tapered neck, and thick stem.
Starkrimson pears are sweet and very juicy, but tend to sing softly rather than belt out their flavor notes. If you’re into the finer and subtler things in life, they might be the perfect pear for you. Make sure to inhale before you take a bite for the sweet scent of flowers that rises from each slice.
Nutrition facts specific to Starkrimson pears are scarce because they’re a fairly rare pear variety, but it’s safe to say that they’re a healthy snack—just like all of their other pear sisters! As a general rule of thumb, pears are full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, such as:
Taken together, these tiny heroes keep your digestion running smoothly, your bones strong, your immune system humming, and your energy levels up.
These pears likely also get their bright red color from anthocyanins, natural phytochemicals that are good for your eyes, heart, digestion, and cells.
All of these nutrition perks make pears a healthy snack for work or home.
Like all pears, Starkrimsons ripen best at room temperature. Set them on the counter away from direct sunlight and let Mother Nature do her thing! You can tell your Starkrimson is ripe when its color shifts from burgundy to bright red, and it smells pear-y, floral, and sweet.
We recommend eating your Starkrimson pears right away after they ripen. They’re stunning out of hand, in salads, with cheese and nuts, cubed over oatmeal, or even sliced into a sandwich with turkey, greens, and soft cheese.
If you need to store them for a few days, pop them in the fridge once they’re fully ripe. You can also core and slice them, and tuck them into the freezer to use in smoothies and baking.
You can buy Starkrimson pears from The FruitGuys during their peak late summer season! Check our Marketplace by the Case page to see if they’re available in bulk near you, or sign up for recurring deliveries of our seasonal fruit boxes for your office or home. We often tuck Starkrimson pears into our mixes when they’re tasting their best, along with a plethora of other pear varieties.
1. Are Starkrimson pears sweet?
Yes, Starkrimson pears are sweet, but it’s a subtle and mild sweetness. For a more bowl-you-over flavor, try a Seckel, Comice, or Bartlett instead.
2. How can I tell if a Starkrimson pear is ripe?
The best way to see if a Starkrimson pear is ripe is to check the color. Starkrimsons are burgundy when they’re picked and turn bright red when they’re ready to eat.
3. What are the health benefits of eating Starkrimson pears?
Starkrimson pears are packed with health benefits like fiber for gut health and digestion, calcium for strong bones, and Vitamin C for healthy skin and immune support.
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