The ingredient library
Pear
Gentle sweetness with textures from crisp to tender. Get to know the pear variety before choosing how to enjoy it.
One name, more than one texture.
A crisp Asian pear and a tender European pear offer different starting points. Asian pears are generally sold ready to eat and remain firm; many European pears soften as they ripen. Choose for the texture you enjoy, whether that means fresh slices or a recipe for gently cooked fruit.
Find your format.
Fresh pear
Check the variety and ripeness. Crisp fruit suits one kind of bite, while a ripe, tender pear offers another.
Cooked or canned
Poached pears and canned pieces are convenient for a softer preparation. Check the packing liquid and any added ingredients.
Juice, puree or blend
A puree brings a different texture from juice. Read the full formulation and use the product in a preparation intended for that format.
A place to start.
Check the variety
For many European pears, gentle give near the stem is a useful ripeness cue. A ripe Asian pear stays firm; do not wait for it to soften in the same way.
Wash and cut just before use
Rinse the pear before cutting, even if you plan to peel it. Remove the core and seeds, then slice for the dish you are making.
Keep the pairing simple
Taste a slice on its own, then alongside your usual breakfast. For cooked fruit, choose a recipe suited to the pear variety and texture.
Crisp can mean ready.
A pear does not always need to become soft. Let the variety guide your expectations, and choose a recipe that makes use of the texture you have.
What to look for.
Handle gently
Look for fruit without cuts or bruises. Pears can mark easily, so take care when carrying and storing them.
Store for the stage of ripeness
Let European pears ripen as appropriate for their variety, then refrigerate ripe fruit. Keep ready-to-eat Asian pears chilled for longer storage.
Read prepared-fruit labels
Compare juice, puree and canned fruit within their own categories. Check what else is included and how to store the opened product.
Find a moment for it.
Bring the ingredient into an ordinary part of your day.
Explore products with pear.
Read the full ingredients and preparation details on each product.
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