Pear Perfection!

Apples, oranges and bananas may traditionally fill shopping carts – but have you added USA pears to your grocery list lately? Pears are in peak season and bring a sweet flavor along with plentiful health benefits to you and your family. Packed with fiber, pears not only help you stay full longer but can help with blood sugar control and digestive regularity. Pears offer other important nutrients including vitamin C and potassium. 

So just how do you pick out the perfect pear to add to your shopping cart? To purchase the perfect pear every time, make sure to Check the Neck™ of the pear. Simply press gently on the top where the stem joins the fruit, and if it starts to give, it’s ripe!

Did you know there are 10 varieties of USA pears, each with their own flavor and use? Some of the most common options you will find on store shelves include:

  Bartlett pears are sweet and extra juicy. Traditionally they are known as the canning pear but can also be served sliced on top of salads or paired with cheese and nuts for a delicious snack.

  Red Anjou pears are juicy with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Red Anjou pears have a beautiful red color that allows them to stand out in any dish – great for baking, in smoothies, grilling or simply snacking.

  Bosc pears are known for their unique brown coloration – also known as “russeting.” You have often seen these fruits documented in paintings and photography because of their natural beauty. Bosc pears are crisp with a honey sweetness, and their more-dense flesh makes them ideal for baking, broiling or poaching.

Once you have selected the perfect pear and are ready to enjoy, just rinse pears in cold water. To prevent browning after slicing you can brush with a mixture of half water and half lemon juice, if desired. Whether you enjoy snacking on them raw, added to your oatmeal for breakfast or paired with a pork roast, pears are a great addition to a healthy diet! 

Try this delicious salad recipe featuring USA pears:

Crunchy Chopped Salad with Pears

Serves 4

All you need:

Salad:

1 head of romaine, chopped

1 small radicchio head, chopped

½ cup halved heirloom cherry tomatoes

1 (14.5 oz) can Full Circle Organic Garbanzo Beass, rinsed and drained

1 Bosc pear, diced

2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Italian Dressing:

¼ cup red wine vinegar

½ cup Full Circle Organic extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp Sir Kensington's Spicy Brown Mustard

½ tsp Morton & Bassett Garlic Powder

¼ tsp Simply Organic crushed red pepper

½ tsp Simply Organic dried oregano

¼ tsp Celtic sea salt

¼ tsp Simply Organic black pepper

All you do:

1. In a large bowl, combine romaine, radicchio, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas and pears.
2. Prepare dressing by combining red wine vinegar, olive oil, mustard, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Using a fork, whisk until smooth and evenly combined.
3. Pour dressing into the bowl with the salad ingredients, and toss until everything is evenly combined. Top with dill. Serve immediately.

Dietitian Tip: Keep the dressing on the side until you are ready to enjoy!

For more dietitian tips or support on produce or other items that we offer through WholeLotta Good, contact our dietitians here to schedule a discovery session! This 30-minute session allows us to chat more about your health and wellness goals.

*The blog articles, recipes and recommendations found on this site are not intended as medical advice and should not replace consulting with your medical provider. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.