Pear varieties can be classified many ways (creamy/sandy, raw/cooking), but I choose to classify them into two distinct categories: European or buttery varieties and Asian varieties. European pears have been bred to be more aromatic with a smooth and buttery texture. Asian pears are crisp and have a milder flavor.
European pears
The two major types of European pears are the Anjou (sometimes called D'Anjou) and the Bartlett (or Williams). The Anjou variety is a hardy winter variety available from autumn through spring. The Bartlett variety is sweeter, but usually only available from late summer through autumn. The Bartlett withstands cooking well and is the variety most often used in canning and is also available as a dried fruit.
Other notable European pear varieties are the Bosc and the Comice. Bosc pears are firm but not crunchy, and its sturdy structure lends itself to cooking methods such as baking and poaching (as well as eating fresh). The Comice is often regarded as the sweetest and strongest "pear" flavored variety.
European pears are never ripened on the tree because they produce a mealy, gritty texture when allowed to do so. They are picked while they are still firm which also helps the delicate fruit to survive transportation. Store pears in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. A few days before you wish to eat the pears, take them out and allow them to ripen at room temperature. Placing pears in paper bags and rotating them each day can help speed ripening due to the trapped ethylene gas. Do not place pears in plastic bags because carbon dioxide could build up resulting in deterioration of the core of the fruit. When pears are ripe, the flesh at the stem gives a little when you lightly press down on it. Waiting until the middle is soft usually results in an overripe pear (because pears ripen from the core outward). After a pear is ripe, you may store it in the refrigerator for only a few days before the fruit dies and begins to deteriorate.
Asian pears
Asian pears are crisp and juicy but with less sweetness than their European counterparts. Unlike European pears, Asian pears are ripened on the tree and can be eaten immediately after picking. In most cases, Asian pears keep in the refrigerator for up to three months (and in the case of the 20th Century variety, up to six months), but if kept too long, they develop a strong wine-like flavor. The skin of Asian pears is quite delicate and sometimes they are packaged in individual foam containers to protect them. (Asian pears have a relatively limited supply and are usually more expensive, so the packagers take extra care to provide perfect looking pears to the market.)
When selecting Asian pears at the market, pick unblemished specimens that are uniform in shape. The pears should be firm and free of any soft spots.
Some properties of pears
The flesh of all pears oxidizes quickly after cutting. To prevent rapid browning, the pear should be cooked or rubbed with an acid (such as lemon, lime, or orange juice) or alcohol. For eating fresh, it is recommended to cut the pears immediately before serving.
Pears have a high water content and are useful for quenching thirst. In addition, they are rich in fiber (a fresh pear is about 3% dietary fiber by weight) and is a decent source of potassium.
Consuming unripe pears are said to have a laxative effect while ripe pears are reputed to be a diuretic and a sedative. Because pears contain a small amount of sorbitol (a sugar alcohol the body cannot process but bacteria in the digestive system can break down for energy), eating too many pears may result in some intestinal discomfort and flatulence.
European pears
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Anjou | A light green or yellow-green French variety with a juicy, buttery texture. |
| Bartlett | A golden yellow (when ripe) English variety with buttery texture. A red variety also exists with the same flavor and texture. Good for cooking as well as eating fresh. |
| Bon chretien | Another name for a Bartlett pear |
| Bosc | A brown-yellow Belgian variety with a juicy, granular texture. The skin is also thicker and tougher than other varieties. Excellent for cooking. |
| Clapp | A large, oval, greenish-yellow variety from the United States. Texture is slightly grainy and gritty. Very short storage life. Also known as Clapp's Favorite. |
| Comice | A large French variety of yellow-green color. The texture is juicy and buttery. Often regarded as sweetest and more pear flavored of all pears. Surface discoloration or blemishes are common and do not affect flavor. |
| Conference | Named after the 1885 International Pear Conference where the variety took first prize. The shape is quite narrow and color is yellow and brown splotches. The texture is buttery and juicy. |
| Packham | A greenish yellow Australian variety with juicy and buttery flesh. The product of a cross between a Bartlett and a Yvedale Saint-Germain pear. |
| Forelle | A small, golden-yellow with red blush variety. |
| Passe-Crassane | A green, round French variety with a slightly granular and soft texture. The product of a cross between a pear and a quince. |
| Rocha | A brown spotted, yellow Portuguese variety with a brown neck. The texture is soft and buttery when ripe. |
| Seckel | A small, dull green variety that is a cross between European and Asian pears. It is very sweet with a grainy texture. Smallest pear variety and noteworthy for it's perfect snacking size. |
| Williams | Another name for a Bartlett pear |
Asian pears
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| 20th Century | A round, yellow Japanese variety that has easily bruised skin. Most popular Asian pear and possible the best flavored Asian pear. Despite it's delicate skin, this variety can be refrigerated for up to six months. |
| Chojuro | A medium to golden brown variety. |
| Dasui Li / Shin Li | Very large, greenish yellow pears developed at the University of California |
| Hosui | A very large, bronze skinned variety. It is noted for its low acidity and juicy sweetness. |
| Shinseiki | A round, yellow Japanese variety. |
| Shinsui | A medium sized, brown Japanese variety. |
| Ya Li | A large pear-shaped (not round), green variety. Sweet, but not as strongly flavored as other varieties. |
