Wild pears grew in abundance in the woods and forests of Central
and Southwest Asia since prehistoric times, but like many wild species
were barely edible. Today, the European pear (Pyrus communis) is
the major species cultivated for commercial use. It is likely the
product of the cross breeding among these early wild species, as
the European pear does not occur in nature. It has been selected
and improved over time.
By Roman times, Pliny could list thirty-eight varieties of pears.
Pear cultivation spread with settlement and trade throughout Europe,
continuing as colonization spread to the Americas and Africa. Of
the more than 3000 species in existence, there are 3 major cultivars
which account for the majority of commercial production –
Bartlett, d’Anjou and Bosc. Dried pears are produced from
the Bartlett variety, well known for their sweet taste and tender
texture. Known in Europe as the Williams pear, the Bartlett variety
was introduced to the U.S. by Enoch Bartlett.
Description:
Pears are picked prior to full maturity when the fruit is still
hard and green. If allowed to ripen fully on the tree, the interior
portions of the fruit turn brown, begin to break down and become
mealy in texture. Bartlett pears ripen from light green to golden
yellow in color, and are dried as halves in a variety of sizes.
Dried pears supply a range of nutrients and vitamins, including
potassium, phosphorus and magnesium; medicinally, they are diuretic
and mildly laxative as well.
Pears like apples have a good storage life. However, their fresh
market expansion has been limited as they must be allowed to ripen
and soften to develop their full flavor. Dried pears offer an excellent
alternative to fresh, by providing fruit with good color and taste
throughout the year. The range of sizes allows incorporation in
fruit mixes and snacks, or as high quality fruit gift selections.
Bedemco supplies only the best quality dried pears available at
the most competitive prices for all sizes, and works with manufacturers
to encourage the use of dried pears in a variety of new, healthful
food products.
Harvest:
Argentina and South Africa both harvest pears in the spring, with
new crop dried fruit coming to market in early summer.
Origin: