A Pear with Personality

Bosc pears are easy to recognize thanks to their cinnamon-colored skin and elegant, elongated neck. Unlike other pears, they maintain their shape beautifully when baked, roasted, or poached, which makes them a favorite for chefs and home cooks alike. Their flavor is rich, slightly spicy, and not overly sweet, which pairs just as well with savory dishes (think pork chops and roasted vegetables) as it does with desserts.

Fun fact: Bosc pears were first cultivated in France and Belgium in the early 1800s and quickly became a prized variety thanks to their unique flavor and long storage life. Today, they’re grown across the U.S. — including right here in Western New York.

How to Store Bosc Pears

One of the best things about Bosc pears is their flexibility in storage. Here’s how to get the most out of them:

• Ripen on the counter. Keep pears at room temperature until the neck yields slightly when pressed. That’s the sign they’re ready to eat.

• Refrigerate once ripe. To extend freshness, transfer pears to the fridge where they’ll last up to a week.

• Keep them separate. Store away from apples, bananas, and avocados, which release ethylene gas and speed ripening.

• Paper bag trick. If you need them ripe quickly, place pears in a paper bag at room temperature. Add an apple for extra speed.

• Handle with care. Pears bruise easily, and bruising shortens their life, so store them in a single layer instead of stacking.

Health Benefits that Pack a Punch

Not only are Bosc pears delicious, they’re also loaded with nutrients that make them a smart choice for everyday eating. A medium pear provides about 6 grams of fiber — that’s nearly a quarter of your daily needs! Pears are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Their high fiber content supports digestion and gut health, while their low glycemic index makes them a fruit that won’t cause rapid blood sugar spikes. In short, they’re as good for your body as they are for your taste buds.

Bringing Bosc Pears to Your Kitchen

The beauty of Bosc pears is their versatility. Slice them fresh into a salad with blue cheese and walnuts, roast them alongside pork tenderloin, bake them into a crisp, or poach them in red wine for an elegant dessert. Their firm flesh means they hold up to cooking without turning mushy, making them a reliable star in both sweet and savory recipes.

Enjoy Them While They Last

Here in WNY, the Bosc pear harvest is short, usually from mid-September through early November. That means now is the time to savor these golden beauties while they’re at their peak. Stock up, store them properly, and enjoy their crisp, sweet flavor in every way you can.

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