7 Types and Varieties of Pears, Plus Delicious Pear Recipes

Pears can generally be categorized into two main types: European and Asian. European pears are familiar to many, characterized by their smooth skin, gentle curves, and the signature bottom-heavy shape. In contrast, Asian pears exhibit a more uniform yellowish-tan color and are shaped similarly to apples. They possess a unique texture and flavor different from their European counterparts. Notably, while some European pears may change color after harvesting, Asian pears remain consistent. Explore the various pear varieties and discover helpful cooking and baking tips for this delightful fruit!

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Types of Pears

Characteristics: Easily recognized for its small size, the Forelle pear has an oval shape and a smooth skin. Its yellowish-green freckled skin transforms to a lovely red as it ripens. Sweet and delicate, it’s an older European variety perfect for children’s snacks due to its size and sweetness.

Also Known As: Kaiser Pear

Characteristics: The Bosc pear stands out with its long, slender neck and rough brown skin, which sometimes displays hints of yellow or green. Its white flesh remains sweet, crisp, and firm, making it excellent for poaching, as it holds its shape well. Bosc pears can also be enjoyed raw or in baked dishes.

Also Known As: Williams pear, Williams' Bon Chrétien pear

Characteristics: Available in yellow and red varieties, the Bartlett pear features thin skin and a sweet, juicy bite. Originally cultivated in the United States in the late 1800s, it was once the predominant variety grown. Most pears used for canning and processing come from Bartletts, making them a stellar choice for baking.

Also Known As: Gold Pear, Taylor's Golden

Characteristics: A large variety from New Zealand, this nearly round pear has golden-brown skin. Its sweet, juicy flesh has a smooth texture, making it wonderful for jams, jellies, and sauces.

Also Known As: Anjou, d'Anjou, Beurre d'Anjou, Green Anjou, Red Anjou

Characteristics: Among the two types of Anjou pears, the green variety is more commonly found. These short, plump pears have a smooth skin and juicy orange flesh. Green Anjous remain green when ripe and are best enjoyed raw.

Also Known As: nashi pear, Japanese pear, Korean pear, Taiwan Pear, sand pear, apple pear

Characteristics: Featuring an apple-like shape, the Asian pear differs from other pears in several ways. Its skin has a gritty texture and does not soften significantly when ripe. Asian pears are crisp and less juicy than other varieties, lacking the typical "pear" flavor. They are best consumed raw or added to salads.

Also Known As: Doyenne du Comice, Christmas pear

Characteristics: Both red and green varieties of Comice pears exist, with the red variety being relatively new. Known for their sweetness and creamy texture, these pears are common in holiday fruit baskets and pair delightfully with cheese, although they are less suitable for poaching.

Tips for Using Pears in the Kitchen

Pears can be poached in various liquids and shine in baked goods like tarts, pies, and cakes. When a recipe calls for apples, pears can often be substituted effectively. Consider using common spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance wine, baked or drink recipes featuring pears.

1. Select Firm, Unbruised Pears: Choose pears that feel firm and show no signs of bruising or cuts.
2. Utilize Brown Bags for Ripening: To ripen pears, place them in a punctured paper bag at room temperature until aromatic and slightly yielding.
3. Peel Pears Before Cooking: The skin can toughen when heated, so it’s best to remove it prior to cooking.
4. Prevent Browning with Lemon: Soak sliced pears in acidulated water to prevent browning, effective for European but not Asian pears.
5. Consider Growing Your Own: Although many pear varieties are available in stores, consider growing trees in your backyard by sourcing from local nurseries.

15 Pear Recipes

Savory Pear Dishes

1. Tea-Smoked Duck Breast with Pears and Blueberry Jus
2. Asian Pear and Frisée Salad
3. Pancetta Crisps with Goat Cheese and Pear
4. Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Pears and Pear-Brandy Cream Sauce
5. Sautéed Chicken Breasts with Pear, Bell Pepper, and Cilantro Salsa

Perfect Pear Desserts

6. Pears with Herbed Ricotta and Honey
7. Dark Gingerbread Pear Cake
8. Scarlet Poached Pears
9. Pear Croustade with Lemon Pastry and Almonds
10. Vanilla Panna Cotta with Pear Jam

Pear Drinks

11. Pear Champagne Cocktail
12. Autumn Pear Chip
13. Apricot Pear Cordials
14. Pear Martini with Lemon and Rosemary
15. Oregon Pear 75

James Beutel, UC Farm Advisor, Solano Co. Asian Pears. p.304-309 in: Advances in New Crops. Proceedings of the First National Symposium on New Crops held October 23-26 in Indianapolis, Indiana. J. Janick and J.E. Simon (eds.). Timber Press, Portland, Oregon.

Introduction

Asian pears are a diverse group of crisp-textured pears that can be consumed fresh immediately after harvest or stored for months. Their all-time readiness makes them more appealing to many compared to European varieties that require softening. Unlike European pears, such as Bartlett and Comice, Asian pears maintain their texture after harvesting. Commonly referred to as apple pears, they resemble apples in texture and crispness but offer a distinct flavor profile.

Asian pears have been cultivated throughout Asia for centuries. With Japan producing about 500,000 tons, some fruits are exported to the U.S. during October and November. Countries like China and Korea also cultivate these pears for domestic markets and exports.

Production Areas and Acreage

Most Asian pear plantings in California are concentrated in Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties, with older plantings found in Placer and Sacramento Counties. Some newer plantings exist in Oregon and a few regions in Washington. Approximately 4,000-5,000 acres of Asian pears are cultivated in California, Oregon, and Washington.

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Pollination & Bloom Period

Asian pears benefit from cross-pollination, enhancing crop yield. When planted in blocks, varieties like 20th Century or Shinseiki yield fruitful results. In cooler temperatures during bloom, cross-pollination with other varieties may be necessary. While guidelines for planting proximity or bee usage remain unclear, planting blocks of two or more varieties has proven beneficial.

Winter Hardiness

Asian pear varieties like 20th Century possess reliable winter hardiness down to approximately -20°F.

Training and Pruning

In California, Asian pears are typically trained in a vase shape, helping manage tree growth. Regular pruning is necessary to promote healthy fruit development. Most fruit is produced on older spurs, with careful cuts needed to prevent damaging new growth.

Diseases and Pests

• Less resistant to fire blight, Asian pears require regular monitoring and treatment during their blooming seasons.
• Bacterial canker and crown rot can also affect these trees.
• In California, special measures are needed to manage pests like the codling moth and pear psylla.

Irrigation and Nutrition

Consistent watering is crucial for optimal fruit growth; however, avoid over-irrigating to prevent iron deficiency due to excessive moisture. Nutrient needs largely mirror those of other fruit trees.

Fruit Thinning

Heavy thinning of fruit is necessary to achieve desirable sizes and annual yield consistency. Thinning should occur twice for best results.

Harvest and Maturity

California's harvest season spans from mid-July through September with careful monitoring of fruit maturity. Quality handling during harvest and packing is vital to minimize damage.

Economics and Yields

Yields for Asian pears are lower compared to Bartlett or Bosc, as substantial thinning is required – typically producing 200 to 400 packed boxes per acre in their peak years.

Varieties

There are numerous Asian pear varieties with over 25 known in California. Some notable varieties include Ichiban Nashi, Hosui, and 20th Century, each with unique characteristics and harvest times.

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