Pears are one of the most delicious fruits, with hundreds of varieties available. In this article, we’ll look at the most common types of pears, when pears are in season, pear nutrition facts, how to pick the best pears and some simple ways to enjoy this sweet and juicy fruit. While pears are not low in carbs, they offer a unique taste and versatility. Speaking of carbs, if you’re curious about how fruits fit into a low-carb diet, check out our discussion on low-carb fruit options, featuring blueberries, which are a middle-ranked option by a registered dietitian.
A Guide to the Most Popular Types of Pears
There are over 3000 known varieties of pears around the world! Most of the pears we find at the grocery store belong to a handful of common types though. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular pear varieties:
- Bartlett Pears: Bartletts are the most common pear variety. They have a classic pear shape and ripen from green to golden yellow. These pears are super juicy with a sweet, buttery flavor. Great for eating raw or baking into desserts.
- Bosc Pears: Bosc pears are known for their long tapered necks. They have russet brown skin and ripen to a golden honey color. Bosc pears have firmer flesh and sweet flavor with hints of vanilla.
- Anjou Pears: Available in green and red varieties. Anjou pears are egg-shaped with a wide bottom. They are sweet and juicy even when unripe. Perfect for eating raw in salads or cooking in savory dishes.
- Asian Pears: Also called apple pears, Asian pears are extra crisp and juicy with sweet white flesh. They are round in shape like apples and don’t change color as they ripen.
- Seckel Pears: Seckel pears are tiny and cute, averaging just 5 inches in size. They have a spicy flavor with lots of sugar and acidity. Nicknamed “candy pears” for their sweetness!
- Comice Pears: Comice pears are short and squatty with a stubby neck. They are very sweet and juicy with smooth, creamy flesh. Comice pears are ideal for eating raw and delicious poached.
- Starkrimson Pears: As the name suggests, these pears have beautiful crimson-red skin when ripe. They are firm and crunchy with a honey-like sweetness. A real standout variety.
- Concorde Pears: Concorde pears are long and slim in shape. They have greenish-yellow skin and white flesh. This variety is known for its mild flavor, perfect for eating fresh.
There are so many great pear varieties to try beyond these most common types too. The USA Pear Northwest trade bureau provides an informative chart about ten USA pear varieties. Part of the fun is sampling different kinds of pears to find your favorites!
When are Pears in Season?
Pears are in season and at their flavor peak from August through February. The exact harvest times vary a bit for different pear varieties:
- Bartlett pears ripen in mid to late summer. Look for them in August and September.
- Bosc and Anjou pears are ready for picking in fall through early winter. Find these varieties from October through December.
- Asian pears mature in late summer and are available from August into early autumn.
- Winter pears like Comice and French Butter pears are harvested later and stored well into winter. Enjoy them from November into the new year.
Check your local farmer’s market for freshly picked pears during summer and fall. Grocery stores carry pear varieties year-round, but their crisp sweetness is best when purchased in season.
The Top Health Benefits of Pears
Pears provide a variety of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that offer many health benefits. Here are some of the top health benefits of pears according to “9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Pears” at Healthline.com:
- High in Fiber – The fiber in pears promotes good digestion and gut health. Just one pear contains 6 grams of fiber.
- Packed with Antioxidants – Pears contain antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin K, and copper that combat inflammation and cell damage.
- May Boost Heart Health – The fiber and antioxidants in pears may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Contains Beneficial Plant Compounds – Unique plant compounds like catechin, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin act as antioxidants in pears.
- Helps Manage Blood Sugar – The fiber slows digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. The antioxidants improve insulin sensitivity.
- Provides Nutrients Like Potassium – Good amounts of potassium, vitamin K, and copper round out the nutritional profile.
The unique combination of antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients make pears a very healthy fruit to add to your diet. Enjoy them as a fresh and hydrating snack. or even more nutritional benefits, try adding figs to your diet. They offer their own distinct set of healthy nutrients.
How to Pick Perfect Pears
Picking ripe, ready-to-eat pears can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips for selecting the best quality pears at the store:
- Check the Neck: Apply gentle pressure near the stem. It should give slightly. This means natural starches are turning into sugars.
- Subtle Softness: Pears should not be rock hard. They should yield slightly when pressed gently.
- Sweet Aroma: Ripe pears release a lovely, sweet fruity scent. Avoid pears with fermented smells.
- Smooth Surface: Avoid pears with cuts, bruises, or mushy spots. Good pears feel smooth and have an even base color.
- Stem Intact: The stem should still be attached to the pear. Missing stems are a sign of early picking.
Get to know when pears from certain varieties ripen to pick them at the peak of flavor. Under-ripe pears will ripen nicely on the counter over a few days.
Simple Ways to Enjoy Delicious Pears
Pears are so versatile to eat raw, cooked, or preserved into sweet and savory dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy pears:
- Slice ripe pears over yogurt, oatmeal, or salad for natural sweetness.
- Bake pears filled with nuts, cranberries, and maple syrup for an easy fall dessert.
- Saute sliced pears in butter with rosemary and cloves for a gourmet side dish.
- Blend pears into smoothies along with spinach and almond milk.
- Make a spiced pear jam from chopped pears simmered with warm spices and sugar.
- Skewer pear chunks and grill or broil them lightly for a tasty snack or salad topper.
- Mix diced pears into your favorite muffin or quick bread recipe for moisture and flavor.
So don’t be intimidated by the variety of pear types out there. With this guide, you’ll feel confident selecting delicious pears and using them creatively in recipes. The sweet, elegant pear deserves more time in the spotlight!
Got Pear Questions? We Have Answers!
Still have some lingering questions about pears after reading this guide? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked pear questions:
Q: Why are some pears gritty or grainy in texture?
A: Grittiness or a coarse texture is caused by stone cells. Some varieties, like Bosc pears,, have more of these cells. It’s harmless, just part of the pear’s character.
Q: How do I ripen pears faster?
A: Place unripe pears in a paper bag on the counter. The bag traps its ethylene gas to speed ripening. Adding a banana or apple speeds it up even more!
Q: Can you eat the skin of pears?
A: Yes! Pear skin is edible and contains nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. Give them a wash first, then enjoy pears skin-on.
Q: How long do ripe pears last?
A: Whole ripe pears keep 3-5 days at room temp and 5-7 days in the fridge. Peeled or cut pears should be eaten within a couple of days.
Q: What’s the best way to store pears?
A: Keep ripe pears at room temp out of sunlight, away from heat and moisture. Once cut, store in the fridge in an airtight container.
In Summary…
- There are over 3000 types of pears, with Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, and Asian being the most common.
- Enjoy pears fresh in season from August through February.
- Pears deliver fiber, vitamin C, copper, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Check neck, aroma, smoothness, and stem when selecting ripe pears.
- Pears are so delicious raw, baked, sauteed, grilled, and blended into recipes.
Let me know if you have any other pear questions! And in the comments section below, share your favorite ways to use pears too.
