The Pear: It’s Not Just a Body Shape

It’s probably the most abundant fruit in your grocery store and the most overlooked on your list of fruits to eat. But pears come in so many diverse and succulent flavors with so many great health benefits that it’s time you created a space for them in your fruit bowl this year.

Did you know that there are more than 3,000 different varieties of pears throughout the world in all different shapes, colors, and flavors? As the third largest pear producing country in the world, we are fortunate here in the states to have access to some of the most exotic and delectable varieties of pear. Most of the pear orchards in the U.S. can be found in Washington and Oregon, where the rich volcanic soil is teeming with the right nutrients to allow the pear trees to flourish.

When most people think of a pear, they usually picture the common Yellow Bartlett, which is one of the most abundant pears in the U.S. and can be found in most grocery stores from late August through January. The gritty texture combined with the classic pear flavor makes this a favorite for shoppers.

The Green Anjou pear is the second most common variety of pear in the U.S. and is harvested in late September. The Green Anjou is known for its refreshing lemon-lime flavor. A tip to remember about the Green Anjou is that when it ripens it will not turn colors, but will remain a bright green shade with a faint blush of red.

The Bosc Pears are known for their golden brown skin and sweet and spicy flavor that has a surprising and satisfying crunch that can’t be beat. The Bosc can be found in grocery stores starting in late September through the winter months.

Other types of pears to be on the look out include: Red Bartletts, Red Anjous, the Comice (one of the sweetest pears), the Concorde, the blazing Forelle, and the Starkrimson. Most of these varieties begin their harvest in the fall and are available until early spring.

Fitness4Her advocates eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables and pears are a great fruit for this time of year. Pears are fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free and provide generous portions of potassium and fiber. Pears are also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Looking to shed a few pounds this year? Look no further than the pear. A great snack that can help you lose weight and feel great.

So familiarize yourself with the many different types of pears that can be found throughout the U.S., and next time you go to the grocery store, be sure to put pears at the top of your list.

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