Pear Varieties
One average pear weighs about 166 grams, has 100 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fat and protein, 4 grams of dietary fiber, 10% of the RDA for vitamin C and 2% each for iron and calcium. Pears are also a decent source of potassium. They contain high levels of pectin and boron. Studies have shown pectin helps inhibit certain cancers such as colon cancer. Boron promotes the stimulation of electrical activity in the brain. It also helps the body to retain calcium, which prevents or retards osteoporosis.
Below is a list of the many different varieties of pears we have available. If you would like more information about the history, ripening, and identification for each pear variety, click here to view the full PDF version of our pear chart.
| Variety | Description | Availability |
Bartlett |
Rounded bell on bottom half of the fruit with definitive shoulder and smaller neck or stem. Extremely aromatic. | August through the end of the year. |
Green Anjou |
Green Anjou pears are the most abundant pear variety in the United States. In fact, you'll find Green Anjous available in most produce departments in the U.S. almost year round, and they're gaining popularity in several other countries as well | U.S. Anjous are harvested from Oregon & Washington. They arrive in produce departments usually around late September / early October. |
Red Anjou |
Red Anjou pears are much like their Green Anjou counterparts in all respects other than color. Their shape, flavor and texture are virtually identical. It's their deep, rich maroon color that sets this variety apart, particularly as a showy pear among pears in a fruit bowl or basket. | Late September / early October through Spring |
Bosc |
Bosc are an elegant variety, with disctinctive characteristics that set them apart from other pears. Those who are familiar with Bosc, appreciate their more firm, yet tender flesh and their sweet-spiced flavor. Bosc have brown skin hides and a delicious, spicy and slightly firmer flesh. | Mid-September through April or May. |
Comice |
Comice are the sweetest and juiciest of all varieties of pears, and are a favorite in holiday gift boxes and baskets. Their flesh is very soft, and can best be described as creamy in texture, abundantly full of juice, and very sweet | September - March |
Forelle |
A smaller variety. Turns bright yellow with crimson freckling when ripe, sweet, very juicy. | September - February |
Seckel Pears |
The smallest of all commercially grown pears, Seckels are also the sweetest. So sweet in fact, that the near bite-size morsels are sometimes called "sugar pears". | August - February |
Asian |
Asian pears originated in China and Japan and have been grown in these counties and certain other Asian nations for at least 3000 years. Records indicate Chinese immigrants introduced Asian pears to the west coast of the United States during the 1800's. | August-October. |
Stark Crimson |
This pear has a smooth light flavor. It's best for eating raw. | August-October |
Taylor's Gold |
Taylor's Gold have a rose-blushed (or cinnamon colored) russeted skin, with melt in your mouth texture. They are exceptionally juicy and tender with a rich, sweet flavor. These pears are almost round with a short neck. | September-January |
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