Food

Food Information

Fruit

Deciduous

Pears

BOSC PEARS

The Bosc pears got their start in either France or Belgium (both claim the honor) in the nineteenth century. This pear, which is russet in color when ripe, is our most shapely variety. It has a symmetrical body that tapers to 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't nearly as soft and buttery or as juicy as a Bartlett, Comice, or even a ripe Anjou. It is at its flavor best when used while it is still quite firm and is crunchy yet sweet. This variety, more than others that have a similar problem but to a lesser extent, ripens from the inside out. If you wait until it yields to gentle thumb pressure it will probably be overripe, will have started to break down near the core, and will eat mushy.

Domestic Bosc pears usually arrive in October and are at their best until February, but they are still available until well into May. Some that have been kept in CA storage are still available into July. However, the Bosc imported from the Southern Hemisphere arrive in March. The knowledgeable shopper will switch from the domestic Bosc to the new crop imports as soon as they become available.


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