Pears
Pears are one of the world’s oldest cultivated fruits and have been referenced in ancient stories and records dating back to 5,000 B.C.. Thanks to their versatility and long storage life, pears were a valuable and much desired commodity among the trading routes of the ancient world. Early colonists brought the first pear trees to America where they thrived until crop blights proved too severe to sustain widespread cultivation.
Later the pear tree was brought to Idaho and the Northwest where ideal climate and growing conditions allowed the fruit to flourish.
Today, pears are grown throughout Idaho, but primarily in the southwest Snake River Valley. Major Idaho varieties include Barlett ,Anjou, and Bosc pears. Harvest season in Idaho is late August and September, but due to storage capabilities pears are available fresh through November.
Pears are a unique fruit that ripen best off the tree. Pears shipped and sold in grocery stores are often fully mature but not ripe. To tell if a pear is ripe, press on the neck of the fruit — if it gives slightly, it is ripe. To ripen pears, store at room temperature until slightly soft, then store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pears are a great source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber—so enjoy this popular fall fruit in lunchboxes or for an afternoon snack.
