The aristocratic French pear, first cultivated in the mid-1800s under the name Doyenne du Comice, is considered the sweetest and juiciest of all winter pear varieties with its fine-textured flesh and rich, buttery flavour. It’s also called the Christmas pear, beloved in gift baskets and used as a decoration.
Are pears a Christmas fruit?
Pears have been present in holiday history since “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song was written in the late 18th century, although the tune that we’re familiar with did not emerge until 1909.
What is the sweetest tasting pear?
Comice Comice pears
Comice. Comice pears were originally cultivated in France. They’re known as the sweetest pear variety, and are often the variety shipped in gift boxes. Because of this, they’re sometimes given the nickname “the Christmas pear.” Comice pears have light green skin with a blush of pinkish red.
What is so special about Harry and David pears?
These pears are known for their plump, silky texture, and of course the sweet flavor. They were even a favorite of royalty and a rare fruit at the time. The pears were later served as “The Fruit of Kings” in the best restaurants in Europe prior to making their way to the Americas.
What is the best tasting pear?
Bartlett (or Williams) Pear: This is the perfect choice when you want a really, really juicy pear. Both red and green Bartletts are also among the sweetest pears you’ll find. Bosc Pear: These pears are wonderfully crisp, with a delicate sweet flavor that resembles the stereotypical pear taste perfectly.
Why are pears given at Christmas?
And in popular culture, the pear tree was immortalized alongside a partridge in the 18th-century Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Early colonists brought the first pear trees to America’s eastern settlements where they thrived until crop blights proved too severe to sustain widespread cultivation.
What pears are in season in December?
Bartletts are in season from August until December. Comice Pears – it may come in different sizes but you can easily distinguish Comice Pears from other varieties because of their rotund body and short but well-defined neck.
What is the healthiest pear to eat?
Here is your guide to which pear variety is the sweetest; which is healthiest; and which types are best for eating raw or for cooking.
Sweetest Pear Variety.
| Variety | Total Sugars (grams) |
|---|---|
| Anjou (red) | 9.54 |
| Asian | 7.05 |
| Bartlett | 9.69 |
| Bosc | 10.23 |
Can you eat pear skin?
As pear skin contains a substantial amount of fiber, it’s best to eat this fruit unpeeled ( 2 ).
What is the crispiest pear?
Asian pears are super crunchy, more like crisp apples than other pears. They look more like apples than pears, too. While there are many varieties of Asian pears, the ones most commonly available in the U.S. are a matte tan color with a bit more texture and roughness to the skin than other apples or pears.
Should I refrigerate pears from Harry and David?
If you’re not quite ready to enjoy your pears, you can easily slow down the ripening process by storing them in the refrigerator. Yes, it’s that simple.
Why do pears come wrapped in paper?
Storing and Ripening Pears. The best way to ripen pears in your kitchen is to wrap each pear in tissue or old newspaper and place it in a cardboard box or brown paper bag—not plastic. This increases the concentration of ripening ethylene gases that pears naturally emit.
What does a gift of pears mean?
In ancient China, people believed that pears represented immortality and prosperity because pear trees live for a long time. In Korea, the pear symbolizes grace and nobility. The pear tree is a symbol of comfort. In many Korean legends, the pear gives women fertility. It also bestows wisdom and health.
Do you need 2 pear trees to produce fruit?
Plan to plant at least two varieties of pear trees, as they will need to be cross-pollinated to produce fruit. Make sure the varieties are compatible with each other. Space standard-size trees 20 to 25 feet apart.
Can you eat pears raw?
Once they’re ripe make sure to store them in the fridge. We know, pears are one of those delicious fruits that are wonderful eaten raw, but here are some great ideas to incorporate pears into different meals.
Is Bartlett or Anjou pear better?
D’Anjou has a firmer texture than Bartlett and won’t change color as it ripens (so you have to check the neck). Once it’s ripe and ready, it’s hard to beat the juicy, sweet and citrus-like flavor of a d’Anjou.
How Long Will Harry and David pears last?
Harry and David are two different types of fruit, but they both last for the same amount of time. Know your pears since not all pears mature at the same rate. Comice or Bosc Pears should be refrigerated for two to six weeks, whereas Bartlett Pears should be chilled for two to three days at 30°F.
What kind of pears does Harry and David send?
The Royal Riviera® Pear is the fruit that took Harry & David around the globe and sent to peoples’ homes as a delicious way to celebrate every occasion. Now, when people ask “What kind of pear is a Royal Riviera® Pear?” they immediately think of the best pear that can be found anywhere.
Why does Harry and David have one pear wrapped in gold?
in all seriousness, why is only one pear in harry and david gift baskets wrapped in gold foil? do i eat that one last or first?? The Pear wrapped in gold foil is intended to be a special gift or enjoyed for yourself. It is a Harry and David tradition!
What is a winter pear called?
Winter pears are defined as those such as D’Anjou and Comice that need a month or longer in cold storage before ripening peaks.
Are Bosc pears winter pears?
Popular Winter Pears
Many of these are winter pears, producing their best crops from late fall through to midwinter, depending on where they are grown. These popular pears have familiar names, such as ‘Bosc’ and ‘Comice’, to name a couple. Each has fruit characteristics all of their own.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.