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.
Fingerling Russian Banana Potatoes
Although very petit in size, fingerlings are fully mature when harvested, thus they should not to be confused with new potatoes, potatoes that are harvested when immature.
Seasons/Availability
French Butter pears are typically available in fall and winter.
Description/Taste
Nearly brown like a Bosc, shaped like a D'Anjou and a texture somewhat like the Comice, the French Butter pear does have a flavor all of its own. Sweet and smooth-textured, its flesh is very juicy.
Nutritional Value
Low in calories, fat and sodium, pears are cholesterol-free plus provide vitamin C, folate, carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Applications
An excellent cooking pear, bake, poach, stew or slice thin for a tart. Make an all-fruit conserve to spread on pancakes, waffles and toast. Pickle pears with spices and onions in vinegar. This pear is ideal for adding its delicate flavor to a variety of fruit, vegetable or mixed green salads. Serve with cheese as an appetizer. To store, ripen at room temperature then keep in the refrigerator.
Geography/History
Preferring the weather of the Pacific Northwest, French Butter pears grow in California and Oregon. Native to Asia and Europe, pears were grown by pre-Christian Romans, ancient Phoenicians and Jews. Dedicated growers in Belgium and France in the eighteenth century are credited for increasing the number and improving their quality.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include French Butter Pears. One
is easiest, three is harder.
French Butter pears are typically available in fall and winter.
Description/Taste
Nearly brown like a Bosc, shaped like a D'Anjou and a texture somewhat like the Comice, the French Butter pear does have a flavor all of its own. Sweet and smooth-textured, its flesh is very juicy.
Nutritional Value
Low in calories, fat and sodium, pears are cholesterol-free plus provide vitamin C, folate, carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
Applications
An excellent cooking pear, bake, poach, stew or slice thin for a tart. Make an all-fruit conserve to spread on pancakes, waffles and toast. Pickle pears with spices and onions in vinegar. This pear is ideal for adding its delicate flavor to a variety of fruit, vegetable or mixed green salads. Serve with cheese as an appetizer. To store, ripen at room temperature then keep in the refrigerator.
Geography/History
Preferring the weather of the Pacific Northwest, French Butter pears grow in California and Oregon. Native to Asia and Europe, pears were grown by pre-Christian Romans, ancient Phoenicians and Jews. Dedicated growers in Belgium and France in the eighteenth century are credited for increasing the number and improving their quality.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include French Butter Pears. One
is easiest, three is harder.
