FoodFood InformationFruitDeciduousPears
The Bosc pears got their start in either France or Belgium (both claimthe honor) in the nineteenth century. This pear, which is russet in colorwhen ripe, is our most shapely variety. It has a symmetrical body that tapersto a long slender neck. It is quite sweet and has a nutty flavor and texture.Although it bears the word buerre in its official title, the Bosc isn'tnearly as soft and buttery or as juicy as a Bartlett, Comice, or even aripe Anjou. It is at its flavor best when used while it is still quite firmand is crunchy yet sweet. This variety, more than others that have a similarproblem but to a lesser extent, ripens from the inside out. If you waituntil it yields to gentle thumb pressure it will probably be overripe, willhave started to break down near the core, and will eat mushy.
Domestic Bosc pears usually arrive in October and are at their best untilFebruary, but they are still available until well into May. Some that havebeen kept in CA storage are still available into July. However, the Boscimported from the Southern Hemisphere arrive in March. The knowledgeableshopper will switch from the domestic Bosc to the new crop imports as soonas they become available.
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