When Are Pears Ripe?
Pears are a perfect winter fruit to be added to your favorite baked dishes, savory meals or simply enjoyed on their own! When selecting pears, gently press your thumb at the neck to test for ripeness: the more give you feel, the riper the pear is. Store at room temperature until they reach optimal ripeness, then refrigerate. Here are some of the pears you will find at Sprouts this season:
BARTLETT
Delivering a blast of super-sweet juice, the Bartlett pear has a definitive flavor perfect for eating fresh out of hand.
Prep Tip: Try it sliced in a green salad with your favorite dressing.
CONCORDE
Enjoyable at various stages, the Concorde Pear is very sweet and becomes softer with a more mellow flavor as it ripens.
Prep Tip: Naturally slow to brown after being cut, Concordes are amazing in salads and cheese boards.
BOSC
Buttery, with honey sweetness and juiciness, Bosc Pear are more flavorful early on in the ripening process.
Prep Tip: More firm than other pears, Bosc are perfect for baking and pair well with strong spices such as cinnamon, clove or nutmeg.
FORELLE
Tangy, sweet and delicious these bite-size delights are a wonder you don’t want to miss.
Prep Tip: Because of their size, Forelles are typically not the best choice for recipes. Although they may be able to brighten up your salad, they are ideal for snacking.
D’ANJOU
Juicy with a subtle sweetness and hints of refreshing lemon-lime.
Prep Tip: Holding up well in heated applications, this pear is great for baking, roasting and grilling.
COMICE
Exceptionally buttery and sweet, the Comice pear has silky flesh that is very fragile.
Prep Tip: Because of its softness, you will find no better compliment when served with cheeses such as Brie or Blue.
SECKEL
Creamy, crisp and juicy, the Seckel Pear has the sweetest flavor profile of all the pear varieties.
Prep Tip: Known as a dessert pear, Seckels are perfect for adding to holiday gift baskets or an after dinner treat.
RED D’ANJOU
Juicy with subtle sweet flavors and a buttery finish, Red D’Anjou’s have hints of lemon and lime.
Prep Tip: Although the taste is similar to Green D’Anjous in cooking recipes, the red variety adds more visual appeal to your favorite salads.
Need some inspiration? Check out these tasty recipes:
Did you know?
Pears are rich in copper, folate, manganese, potassium and vitamin K. These powerful fruits are a great way to boost your daily nutrient intake!
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