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Origin
They originated in Asia Minor and spread East and West; they have been cultivated in Europe and Asia since pre-historic times.
Varieties
Williams Bon Chretien, Rocha, Packham, Bon Rouge, Comice, Conference, Taylors Gold, Forelle, Flamingo, Guyot, Golden Russet.
Growing Conditions Required
Pears can grow in the temperate zone and in the cool highlands of the sub tropical regions.
Handling Requirements
Pears benefit from storage at 0ºC.
Irish Season
Pears are not commercially grown in Ireland.
Eating Experience
Pears should be soft when eaten. They are very juicy with a grainy texture.
The Healthy Option
Pears are high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. The fibre in Pears stimulates the muscles of the digestive tract to move waste products more quickly and produces fatty acids that nourish the intestinal wall. Pears therefore help prevent toxins building up in the intestinal wall and may protect against cancer of the lower bowel.
Interesting Fact
Under cultivation, standard pear trees attain heights of up to 9 m (30 ft), with trunks 30 cm (12 in) or more in diameter. The leaves are oval and simple and, unlike those of the apple, are smooth and glossy. Among different varieties, the thin skin varies in color from light yellow and green through red and brown. However in commercial production a dwarf root stock is often used to keep the tree smaller to allow easier harvest.
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