A Pair of Pears
Bartlett, Comice, Bosc and Anjou are my go-to pears.
They’re easily found in any supermarket, and never let me down for cooking, baking or eating right out of hand.
Samples of two other pear varieties recently landed in my mailbox, though, that require a little more effort to seek out.
But boy, are they worth it.
First up, the Warren pear.
There are only two commercial growers of the Warren pear in California, one of which is stone fruit god, Frog Hollow Farm of Brentwood. You probably already know Frog Hollow Farm for its extraordinary apricots and peaches in the summer. Now get to know it for this spectacular pear with its buttery texture and sweet, almost honey-like flavor.
“I’ve been in love with this pear since I first tasted it,” says Farmer Al Courchesne of Frog Hollow Farm.
He’s not the only one.
Alice Waters of Chez Panisse in Berkeley also adores the Warren pear. At this time of year, they can be found piled in majestic copper bowls in the restaurant, and starring in sorbet and pear-huckleberry crisp.
The pear is named for Thomas Oscar Warren, a horticulturalist in Hattiesburg, Miss., who discovered the fruit growing in front of the town post office.
This is the first year that Frog Hollow Farm has an abundant supply of the Warren pears, which they’re growing on 11 acres of land.
They’re available until January on the Frog Hollow Farm Web site. A 6-pack of pears is $24; a 12-pack is $34.
Find them also at select Bay Area Whole Foods, Bi-Rite Market in San Francisco, El Cerrito Natural Grocery, and Berkeley Natural Grocery.
Next up, the Royal Riviera pear.
For 75 years, Harry & David has been selling these voluptuous pears for the holidays.
Large and bodaciously round, these full-figured pears are incredibly juicy. So much so that Harry & David say that some folks prefer to eat their cut halves with a spoon like you would a soft melon.
I find the skin a little tough, so I usually peel it off. The flesh is buttery and intensely pear-like in flavor.
Grown in Southern Oregon, the pears are $29.95 for a 5-pound box (7 to 11 pears, depending on their size).
With any pears, store them at room temperature covered with newspaper or brown paper to help them ripen. When the flesh at the stem end is soft to the touch, the pears are ready for eating. At this point, you also can refrigerate the pears to slow the ripening and to enjoy them at a later date. Bring them to room temperature before eating to enjoy their fragrant flavor at its fullest.
Both pears look and sound delicious! I love the looks of the second one.
Cheers,
Rosa
Wow, I’ll have to look for those pears for sure!
I’ve had Warren pears at the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmer’s Market. A few vendors sell them there (one is probably Frog Hollow). They are delicious!
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I’ve never heard of the Royal Riviera pear–it sure is stunning!
Wow, these photos are so mouth-watering. The blush on the Royal Riviera looks so beautiful.
Both varieties sound delightful. Can’t wait to see what you make with them!
The pears sound delicious! Love your photos! 🙂
I just realized, all this time,I’ve not been doing this right, I do not have go-to pears. I need to remedy that now! =) They all look so delicious, have been having a lot of fun with pears lately.
Live Earth Farm has been selling Warrens at the Santa Cruz Farmers Market, too. They’re amazing, so buttery and never mealy.
This reminds me that I just “borrowed” 3 Bosc pears from my school dining hall…
Where can I purchase a Warren pear tree????
Thanks. Betsy Warren Mehl
betsymehl@bellsouth.net
Betsy: If I were you, I’d do a Google search for a nursery that sells Warren pear trees, then see if any are in your area or if you’ll have to mail-order for one. Good luck to you!
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