Holiday Gift Guide: The Perfect Read for Avid Fruit Enthusiasts

Pears, often overlooked among tree fruits, are a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Their luscious textures, boudoir perfumes, and rich taste make them potentially the most exciting of all tree fruits.

The autumn and winter seasons are the peak time for pears, with varieties such as Eldorado, Fragrante, Vermont Beauty, Triomphe de Jodoigne, and Joséphine de Malines gracing our tables. These names, like Early Market, Pero Nobile, Beurré Superfn, and Pitmaston Duchess, hint at the qualities, esteem, and origins of these delicious fruits.

"The Book of Pears" by Denys Val Baker is a definitive guide on the history and uses of pears. This comprehensive book reveals the secrets of the pear as a status symbol and introduces readers to celebrated fruit growers. The book features a directory of 500 varieties of pears, complete with tasting notes and descriptions.

The pear's season progresses from the first summer pears eaten straight from the tree to the finer textures and more complex flavors of autumn and winter varieties. During this time, the finest textures and most intense flavors and perfumes can be found. In fact, the best-tasting pears are often those ripening during the autumn and up to Christmas.

The European pear, which became more widely distributed in the 17th century, was taken by settlers to East Coast America, Canada, South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The number of fine pears with a buttery texture increased significantly in the 19th century, pushing aside older varieties.

Beyond fresh eating, pears have a variety of uses. Baking pears, which are sharp and astringent, are barely known in Britain but are appreciated on the Continent for their use in cooking, poaching, and making pickles and chutneys. Perry pears, used for making perry, a drink similar to cider, are undergoing a revival in their fortunes in England, France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

"The Book of Pears" also explains how the pear came to be an important international commodity. It's a fascinating journey through the history of this underrated fruit, shedding light on its rich heritage and the passion it has inspired in pear enthusiasts throughout the centuries.

In the past, pear enthusiasts were known to stay up all night to catch the peak of their carefully stored specimens. Today, with the knowledge and resources provided by "The Book of Pears", we can all enjoy the delights of pears to their fullest extent.

So, the next time you're at the market, don't forget to explore the vast variety of pear shapes, sizes, and colors available. You might just discover a new favourite!