Pears

Pears are a wonderful treat most available from fall to early spring. One unique quality of pears is that, when they are purchased in stores, they are not often fully ripe. Final ripening takes place a few days later by just leaving them at room temperature. Never fear though, determining ripeness is not hard. USA Pears, a cooperative that markets most of the pears grown in the United States, recommends determining ripeness by gently pressing the skin of the pear with the thumb near the stem. If the flesh near the stem gives to slight pressure, the fruit is ripe. Pears can additionally be substituted for apples and peaches in most recipes. Here are a few pears that can be found in stores this winter season.

Anjou: This is the popular green variety found in stores. It has an excellent, sweet flavor with slightly tart undertones. Anjou pear is useful in salads, cooked and canned.

Bartlett: Bartlett pear is additionally popular. In the store its skin color is light green that eventually ripens to a bright yellow color. Brown coloration, called russeting on the skin is common with Bartlett, but it does not impact fruit quality. Bartlett pear is useful for eating, cooking, and is the premier canning pear in the Unites States.

Bosc: This pear originated in France or Belgium. It is honeysweet and yet has a more complex flavor than many other varieties. Bosc is extremely popular for cooking because it retains its firm texture better than other varieties. Its flavor is also less likely to be overwhelmed by other spices when cooked. Bosc pear color varies from yellow to brown and usually has some russeting.

Comice: Comice pear is not as popular as other varieties but is still excellent due to being extremely juicy and its buttery flavor. It is also one of the best to serve with cheese. However, its juiciness makes it less amenable to cooking. Comice ripens to a yellow color with hints of red on the skin.

Concorde: This pear is the result of a cross between Comice and Conference pear, a popular variety in Europe. It retains much of the flavor from Comice but is less juicy and more firm. It is gaining popularity and can be used in salads and for cooking.

Seckel: Seckel pears are smaller than almost all other commercial varieties, but are among the sweetest. They are additionally unique because this variety originated in the United States. Seckel pears may be less common in grocery stores but are worth trying, especially for younger children who may not finish a larger fruit.

Starkrimson: Starkrimson was found in the 1950s as a branch sport of Clapp's Favorite pear. It was popularized by the famous Stark Brothers Nursery. It has a beautiful red color and is one of the first pears to market in late summer. Besides eating fresh, one of the best uses for this pear is that it adds an attractive flare due to its red color in salads and desserts.