Produce Briefs...
Spring Onions
Spring onions are most often utilized raw. The whole onion can be flash blanched and grilled, which brings out more the robust and sweet elements of the onions, and makes them a bolder pair for fish and meats
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
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.
