The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proclaimed December to be National Pear Month. The winter months boast the broadest selection of pear varieties being in season. Pear Bureau Northwest says the Pacific Northwest, home to the growers of 84 percent of the nation's fresh pears, has produced one of the largest crops on record this season. Branded USA Pears, the ten primary Northwest-grown pear varieties are Red and Green Anjou, Bartlett and Red Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Forelle, Seckel, Starkrimson and Concorde.
Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO, Pear Bureau Northwest, says, "Ideal weather conditions, including just the right amount of rainfall, warm summer days and cool nights in Oregon and Washington's pear growing regions, led to a record sized crop of excellent quality."
Moffitt also says December is an ideal time to experiment with new pear varieties. He says, "Several new pear-centric cookbooks and recipes will help home cooks get creative with the bounty on the plate or on the table as decoration."
Diane Morgan, author of two new cookbooks, The Christmas Table and The New Thanksgiving Table, says pears are enjoying a surge in popularity. Diane Morgan says, "This traditional fruit is coming into its own as cooks recognize their many uses, flavor profiles and aesthetic differences."
Morgan included pear recipes in her most recent holiday-themed cookbooks, including a recipe for Individual Anjou Pear Tarts with Caramel Ice Cream in The Christmas Table.
Pear Bureau Northwest recently redesigned its website, USApears.org, which contains pear recipes, pear ripening tips and videos featuring the pear growers from Oregon and Washington. More pear recipes - including a Pear and Cardamom Granita with Pistachio Biscotti recipe (pictured below) by acclaimed pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith - can be found at PearPanache.com.
