PEARS
Pears originated in the region of the Caspian Sea, west of Europe.
In ancient times, Homer referred to pears growing in the garden of Alcinous.
Pliny documented over forty varieties of pears.
Pears were brought to the New World by the Franciscan Fathers. During
the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, better varieties of pears were
developed. Today there are literally thousands of varieties of pears,
good for all kinds of activities from juicing to cooking. The most popular
is the Bartlett.
The Bartlett pear originated in England. Its first distributor was
a nurseryman named Williams, so this variety was known around the world
as Williams or Williams' Bon-Cretien. In 1817, Enoch Bartlett acquired
this estate. Not knowing the true name of the pear variety, he began
distributing it under his own name, Bartlett.
Bartlett pears are large, bell-shaped, and possess a smooth yellow
skin that is blushed with red. It's white, finely, grained flesh is juicy
and delicious.
Pears are grown all over the United States, but the majority come from
the Pacific Northwest. Today, pears from Latin America and Argentina
are commonly found in US markets.
Beneficial Effects:
Pears have a high quantity of vitamin C and iron. They are a wonderful
digestive aid, and help normalize bowel activity.
Eat pears in Winter for energy.
"There are only ten minutes in the life of a pear when it is perfect
to eat." Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
