Did you know ?
- The pear is one of the few fruits that doesn’t ripen on the tree.
- Asian pears are actually apples in botanical terms.
- Pears ripen from the inside out - unlike most fruits.
Pear
Pears are sweet, bell-shaped fruits with juicy white flesh and edible skin. They come in hundreds of varieties, offer excellent nutritional value, and have been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
View other Pome fruits
Detailed nutritional values
Section titled “ Detailed nutritional values”Values of an average pear (~178g) :
| Calories | 101 kcal |
| Proteins | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| of which sugars | 17g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fats | 0.3g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
How to know if a pear is ripe
Section titled “ How to know if is ripe”
Perfectly ripe
Juicy, sweet, and fragrant.
How to recognize this state :
- Slight give near the stem when pressed
- Sweet aroma
- Stem detaches easily
- Brighter color (varies by type)
- Smooth, buttery texture
Advice for ripe products
A perfectly ripe pear offers the best flavor and texture. Consume it quickly or refrigerate to maintain freshness for 3-5 days.
Varieties examples
Section titled “ Varieties examples”Bartlett (Williams)
Classic pear shape, turns yellow when ripe, extremely sweet and juicy (most common US variety).
Asian
Apple-shaped, crunchy texture, sweet with floral notes
Anjou
Egg-shaped, stays green when ripe, firm texture ideal for cooking.
Bosc
Elongated with brown skin, crisp texture, holds shape well when baked.
How to choose a pear
Section titled “ How to choose ”To choose a quality pear at the supermarket or market :
- Pick unblemished fruits with intact stems
- Select pears that are firm but not rock hard
- Pick heavy-for-size pears (indicates juiciness)
- Match variety to intended use (firm for cooking, soft for eating)
- Avoid pears with punctures or soft spots
How to store a pear
Section titled “ How to store ”Store unripe pears at room temperature until they yield to gentle pressure near the stem. Once ripe, refrigerate to slow further ripening for up to 5 days. Cut pears should be dipped in lemon water and refrigerated in an airtight container. For long-term storage, pears can be canned, dried, or frozen (blanch slices first).
How to ripen a pear
Section titled “ How to ripen ”If you bought an unripe pear, here's how to speed up the process :
- Place pears in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to speed up the process (ethylene gas accelerates ripening)
- Warm countertop : Leave at room temperature out of direct sunlight
- Rice/bread box trick: Bury them to trap ethylene gas
Health benefits of a pear
Section titled “ Health benefits of ”- High fiber content aids digestion
- Rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation
- Supports heart health by lowering cholesterol
- Provides immune-boosting vitamin C
- Contains bone-strengthening nutrients
Origin of a pear
Section titled “ Origin of ”Pears originated in China and Central Asia over 4,000 years ago. They were cultivated by ancient Greeks and Romans, who developed many varieties. European settlers brought pears to America where they became an important crop. Today, China is the world's largest pear producer.
Regions of origin
- China
- Central Asia
- Mediterranean region (Roman improvements)
- Western Europe (modern varieties)
Cook a pear according to its ripeness
Section titled “ Cook according to its ripeness”Unripe
- Pear & ginger chutney
- Grilled pear salad
- Pear-infused vinegar
Perfectly ripe
- Fresh pear tart
- Prosciutto-wrapped pears
- Stuffed pears
Too ripe
- Pear crumble
- Pear and walnut bread
- Spiced pear butter
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “ Frequently asked questions”Warnings and precautions for a pear
Section titled “ Warnings and precautions for ”- Wash pears thoroughly to remove potential pesticide residues if not organic
- Choking hazard for young children (hard pieces)
- May cause bloating in sensitive individuals (high fiber)
- Some people with birch pollen allergy may react to pears
Do not confuse with
Harder, more astringent, usually cooked before eating
Must be bletted (softened) before eating.
Firmer texture, rounder shape, more acidic flavor.