Cookbook:Pear

Pear
Category	Fruits

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A pear is a fruit similar to an apple but often softer in flesh and with a sweeter taste. Pears can be eaten raw or used in various recipes. The juice can be drunk. The ripening of pears can be troublesome; some cultivars are at their best for a brief period of full ripeness.

Cultivars of pear

Beth

Small round pear with a gold/green skin. An early variety (ripe in late summer), which is sweet and juicy.

Beurre Hardy

A fairly large green/gold pear, harvested from autumn to early winter. Has a firm skin and soft, juicy flesh.

Concorde

A cross between Conference and Comice, this pear has some of the easy keeping qualities of Conference with a sweetness from the Comice. It is large and yellow/green in colour.

Conference

Usually thin with a green skin, sometimes flecked with brown. Can be eaten when the flesh is firm or when fully ripe and the flesh yields to the touch. Flavour closer to apple than many pears, with a touch of earthiness and very firm. Keeps well and usually available throughout the winter.

Doyenne du Comice

Large, heart-shaped pear with a gold and green flecked skin. Flesh remains firm even when fully ripe. Flavour is sweet.

Rocha

A small pear with a skin varying from light green to pale gold flecked with brown. Originally from Portugal, this pear can be eaten firm or soft and has a distinct undertone of honey in the taste.

Pear recipes

• Chocolate Pear Bake
• Pear Pie
• Tarte aux poires
• Pear-Cranberry Crisp