Pears
Pears are members of the rose family and related to the apple and the quince. Pears generally have a large round bottom that tapers towards the top. Depending upon the variety, their paper-thin skins can either be yellow, green, brown, red or a combination of two or more of these colors.
Selection, Storage and Availability
Pears are available all year round, peak supply is in Autumn. Choose firm fruit with unblemished skin. Pears will ripen slowly in the fridge or more quickly at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Pears are high in fibre and a good source of vitamin C and copper. Pears are often recommended by healthcare practitioners as a hypoallergenic fruit that is less likely to produce an adverse response than other fruits. Particularly in the introduction of first fruits to infants, pear is often recommended as a safe way to start.
Packham Pears
The No 1 eating pear in Australia. Skin is green with very pale ‘freckles’. When ripe the skin tone changes to a paler yellow. Flesh is sweet, juicy and white in colour with good flavor. Good keeper – stays firm when ripe. Available February – January.
Uses
Eat fresh or use in desserts or salads.
Nashi Pears
Translates to ‘pear’ with Nijisseiki being the common variety grown in Australia and as the name suggests it is from Japan. Round in shape similar to an apple with pale green/yellow skin. Flesh is white, crisp and very juicy. Available March to November.
Uses
Fresh or in salads. Great on a cheese platter.
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Beurre Bosc Pears
Elongated brown coloured skin with white flesh.Available March – November.
Uses
Great for cooking – holds shape well – or eat fresh. Sweet and juicy – a great all rounder. Try in tarts, strudels, crumbles (mix with other fruits if desired). Great addition to a cheese platter (brush with lemon juice to stop browning) or in sweet or savoury salads.
Corella
Decorative pear with shiny, light green skin with red overtones. Good keeper. Sweet, very juicy, creamy coloured flesh.
Selection, Storage and Availability
Select firm, blemish free fruit. Store at room temperature for short periods; best refrigerated. Available March – November.
Uses
Eat fresh or use in sweet or savoury salads.
Josephine
Medium size green/pale yellow skin. Unique flavor enjoyed by practically everyone. Available June-November.
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