Spring Brings a Bounty of Bosc Pears

Bosc pears are in season into spring – get them while you can!

PORTLAND, Ore., March 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A foodie favorite, Bosc pears are a preferred pick for both family cooks and professional chefs.  With its elegant shape, cinnamon-brown skin, crisp texture, and honey-sweet flavor, this special pear variety is one that is reached for as a healthy snack, and an ingredient in pear recipes both savory and sweet.

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When they're in season, that is.

The good news is that USA Bosc pears have a relatively long season of availability, from Fall through late Spring.  With only a couple of months left in Bosc pear season, the time is now to enjoy this wonderful pear varietal.

How to pick a Bosc pear in the produce department

Like other pear varieties, the Bosc ripens after it is harvested.  This means that Bosc pears may be available at your local grocer in a firm, under-ripe state.  For those that prefer a crisper piece of fruit, this is the pear for you.  The Bosc has a honey-sweet flavor even when it's under-ripe.  So, go ahead and chomp away on that firm Bosc pear, and enjoy its sweet crunch. 

For those that prefer a juicier pear, then simply "Check the Neck for Ripeness" as USA Pear growers advise.  Press the "neck," or stem end, of the Bosc, and if it yields to gentle pressure, then it's ripe, sweet, and juicy.   If the pear feels firm, then just leave it at room temperature to ripen, and "Check the Neck" daily.  Only refrigerate your pears if you want to slow ripening.

Cooking with Bosc pears

The Bosc pear has a firmer texture than other varieties of pears.  As such, it is an excellent choice for cooking.  It holds its shape, flavor, and texture well in high heat applications.  It's slow to give off its juice when baked, so your pear pie or cake won't succumb to sogginess.  Also, some recipes call for pears to be 'firm, yet ripe.'  The Bosc pear is one that meets this requirement handily at any stage of ripeness. Fresh Bosc pears can also add a crisp sweetness to a salad.  

Balsamic-Glazed Pear and Goat Cheese Crostini

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A new favorite recipe for pear lovers, this appetizer is incredibly delicious...and can be prepared in a snap! The balsamic glaze is the perfect complement to the sweet pear and salty goat cheese.

Ingredients
2 Bosc pears                
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon honey
24 baguette rounds, toasted       
1/2 cup spreadable goat cheese
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Ground black pepper, if desired

Directions
Slice pears stem side up into 12 quarter-inch width vertical planks. Cut large slices in half lengthwise for a total of 48 slices.

Heat vinegar, butter, and honey in large frying pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until reduced by half, about 2 tablespoons. Add pear slices and continue cooking for 1 minute, turning once.

Place 2 pear slices on each baguette round and top with 1 teaspoon goat cheese.  Sprinkle almonds over cheese and garnish with fresh pepper, if desired.

yield: Makes 24 pieces

Nutritional Information
Nutritional Analysis per Serving (1 piece) Calories 80  (34% Calories from Fat), 3g Protein, 11g Carbohydrate, 1g Fiber, 3g Fat, 1g Sat. Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 5mg Cholesterol, 115mg Sodium

Sauteed Bosc Pears

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This simple, tasty pear recipe can serve at breakfast with nonfat vanilla yogurt, or as dessert with frozen yogurt or ice cream!

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
6 Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and quartered
Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
1 1/2 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt or frozen yogurt
1/2 cup chopped, toasted California walnuts

Directions
To prepare pears, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in spices and cook for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Add pears and cook for 15 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Stir in lemon juice. Serve with nonfat vanilla yogurt or frozen yogurt and top with walnuts.

yield: Makes 6 servings

Nutritional Information
Nutritional Analysis per Serving: Calories 258; Total Fat 10g (Saturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 11g; Sodium 48mg; Carbohydrate 39g; Dietary Fiber 6g; Protein 5g

About Pear Bureau Northwest and USA Pears
The Pear Bureau Northwest was established in 1931 as a nonprofit marketing organization to promote the fresh pears grown in Oregon and Washington.

Today, the United States is the second largest pear-producing country in the world, and Oregon and Washington comprise the nation's largest pear growing region with 1,600 growers producing 84% of all fresh pears grown in the United States. Pears grown in these two Pacific Northwest states are distributed under the "USA Pears" brand.

Pears are an excellent source of fiber (24% DV) and a good source of vitamin C (10% DV) for only 100 calories per medium sized pear.  Sweet and juicy with no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol, pears are a perfect choice for a snack as well as for any course of any meal of the day.

To learn more and to find culinary insPEARation, visit www.usapears.org, and follow USA Pears on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usapears and Twitter @USApears.

Media Contact:
Cristie Mather, Director of Communications
Pear Bureau Northwest
(503) 652-9720
[email protected]

SOURCE Pear Bureau Northwest