WHAT IS A PEAR?

This popular fruit is thought to have originated in China around 5,000 B.C.  Since then pears have spread across the world on trees that can grow to over 50 foot (16 meters) in height!     They are surprisingly cold-weather hardy, tolerating below zero temperatures.  This fruit comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, sometimes looking quite similar to an apple.  But unlike apples pears have a more grainy texture.

WHY ARE PEARS GOOD FOR YOU?

They are rich in fiber, vitamins (B,C,K) and minerals (iron, potassium, magnesium).  The peel contains 4 times as many nutrients as the flesh itself (which is mostly water).

WHEN ARE PEARS IN SEASON?

Being a hardy fruit, some breeds of pairs are available January though May while others are harvested August through December.

HOW SHOULD PEARS BE STORED?

This fruit must be picked first in order to ripen.  Store them at room temperature (use a paper bag to accelerate the process) until the skin starts to darken.  Then refrigerate these fruits where they can last for 1 to 2 weeks.

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO CUT A PEAR?

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WHY DID WITCHES FIND PEARS TO BE SO ANGUISHING?

A popular medieval torture device was called the “Pear of Anguish.”  It was so named because, like the fruit, it has four leaves that open outward.  Unfortunately these metal leaves were first inserted into a victim pre-opening.