Pears are Ideal Fall Fruit for Baking & Cooking

Mostarda Veneta Fall Pear Mustard Sauce Recipe for Pork, Veal & Lamb

Sep 7, 2009 Heather Zorzini

Due to their late arrival in the season, pears are an ideal fruit for autumn and winter recipes. Most pears are all-purpose, suitable for cooking, canning and snacks.

The latin name for pears is Pyrrus communis and they are a botanical member of the rose family. Native to eastern Asia or China, they are now grown in many temperate climates around the world.

How to Test for Pear Ripeness

Pears ripen from the inside out and are ready to eat when the skin near the stem is slightly soft. Though skin colour is not always an indication of ripeness, less green usually equals more maturity. The fragrance of a pear increases as it ripens. Ideally, pears should be used as soon as they are ripe but will also keep for a few days in the refrigerator.

Cooking and Canning Pears

Pears that are still slightly unripe are best for cooking or canning. Pears bruise easily but Bosc and French Flemish Beauty are the most durable varieties due to their thicker skins.

The low acid content of pears means that lemon juice, wine or something acidic must be added when cooking. Sprinkle a little lemon juice on cut slices to prevent discolouration. Wash pears only just before eating or using them for cooking.

Most Widely Available Types of Pears

Bartletts are the most popular pears worldwide. They are bell-shaped with light green skin that turns yellow when ripe. This sweet, all-purpose pear is available from late July to mid-October, making it the earliest pear of the season.

Anjou pears originated in Anjou, France. Egg-shaped and highly fragrant, the skin is yellow-green. Anjou is an all-purpose pear available from October to mid-winter.

Bosc Pear is a tart tasting all-purpose pear with yellow/russet skin and a distinctive elongated neck. It still has a crisp bite even when fully ripened. It is available from October to mid-winter.

Nutritional Information on Pears

One medium pear has about 100 calories and is a good source of fibre, vitamin C, potassium and folacin.

Easy Fall and Winter Dessert Recipes for Pears

Pears are delicious in desserts like a Pear Crumble or Clafouti. They also add a pleasant sweetness to parsnip and pear soup.

Recipe for Pear Mustard Preserve Mostarda Veneta

This mustardy fruit sauce or spread is a delicious version of mostarda Veneta, popular in Venice throughout the winter months. It's an easy to make condiment, suitable for giving as a hostess gift. Serve hot or cold with roast lamb, veal or pork.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced, peeled all-purpose pears
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tsp. honey
• 3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. Add pears to water and simmer over medium heat until soft, stirring often.
2. Drain and cool. Add honey, vinegar and mustard.
3. Puree until smooth. Store in sterilized glass jar.

Makes about 2 cups conserve. Keeps well in refrigerator for 7 days.

Resource Credits

This article was researched using information from The Cook's Book by Howard Hillman and Foodland Ontario, a government of Ontario agency.

The copyright of the article Pears are Ideal Fall Fruit for Baking & Cooking in Seasonal Cooking is owned by Heather Zorzini. Permission to republish Pears are Ideal Fall Fruit for Baking & Cooking in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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