Some of our pears come from a co-operative of small organic growers in the south of France as their season starts a bit before English pears are ready - and these ones are a special early variety called 'Guyot'.
The co-op is located in Saint-Gilles, near to Nimes at the tip of the Languedoc region, close to the Camargue. The land lies between the sea and the mountains and is very beautiful. While they're famous for growing salads, they're also starting to get a reputation for fruits such as these lovely pears!
Full of juice that is rich in vitamin A & C these really are perfect eaten whole or stewed just like the Ancient Greeks and Romans did it. And here's a little tip for you: if you want your pears to ripen faster just put them next to some bananas in your fruit bowl. They should be ready to munch in no time!
Country of Origin - UK/France/Holland/South America
Class - Minimum Class 2
Variety: Rosemarie/Williams
Pears are not particularly rich in nutrients, but they can be used in cooking to sweeten the taste of sharper fruits without adding refined sugar. Pears have a very sweet taste, so they act as a good substitute to snacks with added sweeteners. Pears are rich in soluble fibre, and so help the body maintain blood sugar levels.
Peel pears with a potato peeler, if necessary. To eat whole, they just need a rinse. Pears are great baked in wine with vanilla and cinnamon, and there are many other ways to cook them. Depending on the texture you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge for a crunchier taste. If you like them softer then keep them at room temperature until they are as soft as you want. Suitable for home freezing.
Stuck for ideas? Click here for Pear recipes