Produce Briefs...
Maui Onions
Two characteristics set the Maui onion apart from other yellow onions: the high sugar and high moisture content of its flesh.
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Rainbow chard, also known a 5-color silverbeet, is a tender chard variety with multi-colored stalks of yellow, white, orange pink and red.
Seasons/Availability
Chilean Packham pears are available beginning in April until July.
Description/Taste
Rich in flavor and medium to large in size the Chilean Packham pear has a pale-green bumpy skin that develops a yellow cast when fully ripe. Quite fragrant, the white firm flesh is deliciously sweet and juicy.
Nutritional Value
Sodium-free and cholesterol-free, pears are a good source of fiber and offer potassium, folate and vitamin C. An average pear contains about 100 calories.
Applications
Sliced or cubed Packham pears make a delicious addition to fruit and green salads. Great with grilled chicken. Poach in red wine for a delicious dessert. Slow to ripen, this variety usually takes three to seven days to fully ripen at room temperature. Hasten ripening by placing pears in a paper bag, will keep at room temperature for a week and up to a month in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Packham is one of the major pear crops of Chile.
Geography/History
Originally developed in Australia, Packham pears are a fairly new strain. Grown in Chile, the principal pear cultivar is called Packham's Triumph. Growing on upright, fairly vigorous trees, bees are not particularly attracted to its flowers therefore an extra bee population is required for pollination.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Chilean Packham Pears. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Chilean Packham pears are available beginning in April until July.
Description/Taste
Rich in flavor and medium to large in size the Chilean Packham pear has a pale-green bumpy skin that develops a yellow cast when fully ripe. Quite fragrant, the white firm flesh is deliciously sweet and juicy.
Nutritional Value
Sodium-free and cholesterol-free, pears are a good source of fiber and offer potassium, folate and vitamin C. An average pear contains about 100 calories.
Applications
Sliced or cubed Packham pears make a delicious addition to fruit and green salads. Great with grilled chicken. Poach in red wine for a delicious dessert. Slow to ripen, this variety usually takes three to seven days to fully ripen at room temperature. Hasten ripening by placing pears in a paper bag, will keep at room temperature for a week and up to a month in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Packham is one of the major pear crops of Chile.
Geography/History
Originally developed in Australia, Packham pears are a fairly new strain. Grown in Chile, the principal pear cultivar is called Packham's Triumph. Growing on upright, fairly vigorous trees, bees are not particularly attracted to its flowers therefore an extra bee population is required for pollination.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Chilean Packham Pears. One
is easiest, three is harder.
