Celebrate National Pear Month

Celebrate National Pear Month by adding a few of your favorite pear dishes to your family meals. 

Pears have been cultivated for thousands of years. They arrived in North America with the early colonists. They flourished until most of the plantings were wiped out by a blight. Fortunately the pears introduced to the great growing conditions of the Pacific Northwest were spared and these varieties still thrive there.

Pears are one of the few fruit that is harvested when mature, but not ripe. Leave freshly picked or purchased pears out at room temperature so they can slowly ripen to that sweet flavor you desire.

Gently press on the neck of the pear with your thumb when you think it’s ripe. If it gives to the pressure, it’s ready to eat. Once the pear is fully ripened you can move it to the fridge to maintain its flavor. It will last for about five days.

A bit more information: Pears are members of the rose family that includes apples, quince, plums and cherries. They are high in fiber, Vitamin C and only about 100 calories per serving. For recipes and more, click here.