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Forest Beauty pears are medium-sized fruits that have an oval, squat shape with a bulbous base tapering slightly into a rounded neck. The skin is thin, rough, covered in lenticels, and is golden yellow, developing a bright red blush on the surface exposed to the sun. Underneath the delicate skin, the flesh is crisp, ivory to pale yellow, dense, and aqueous with a central, fibrous core encasing a few brown seeds. Forest Beauty pears, when ripe, are aromatic with a slippery, tender consistency and have a very sweet flavor mixed with subtle sour notes.
Seasons/Availability
Forest Beauty pears are available in the summer through early fall.
Current Facts
Forest Beauty pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a sweet, autumn variety that belongs to the Rosaceae family. First discovered in Belgium, Forest Beauty pears are favored for their juicy, fine-grained flesh, quality flavor, and ability to be grown in a wide variety of climates. The variety was widely popular in Europe in the late 19th century and became one of the most famous pears for eating fresh, out-of-hand. Despite their easy-to-grow nature, Forest Beauty pears have a short shelf life, and the pears must be harvested one week before reaching full maturity in order to maintain their signature flavor.
Nutritional Value
Forest Beauty pears are an excellent source of fiber, which can help increase digestion and reduce inflammation in the colon and are a good source of vitamins C and K, and potassium. The pears also contain some phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, and folate.
Applications
Forest Beauty pears are best suited for raw consumption as the sweet flavor and juicy nature of the flesh is showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The pears can be eaten whole, with the core discarded, sliced and tossed into green salads, mixed into fruit bowls, or delicately sliced and layered on cheese and appetizer boards. Forest Beauty pears can also be boiled in a simple syrup and made into a compote, simmered into a jam, or preserved in other methods for extended use. In addition to preserving, the pears can be baked, used as a topping on tarts, sliced and served over ice cream, or dried into a chewy, sweet snack. Forest Beauty pears pair well with honey, vanilla, crème fraiche, cheeses such as cheddar, goat, gorgonzola, and brie, bread, arugula, and nuts such as pecans, almonds, and walnuts. The fresh pears will keep 2-3 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Belgium, Forest Beauty pears are a favorite home garden variety as they are resistant to disease, a prolific producer, and can grow in cold regions with some frost. Beyond its favorable growth qualities, many of the trees planted in home gardens in Belgium have been standing for over 20-30 years, living through multiple generations of families. Many Belgium gardeners reminisce of eating the pears fresh in the garden when they were young with their parents or grandparents, giving the pears a nostalgic, youthful quality.
Geography/History
Forest Beauty pears are native to Belgium and were discovered growing naturally in a forest, which is also where the variety received its name. The pears became a popular cultivated variety through the promotion of J.B. Van Mos, a Belgian scientist, and in the late 19th century, Forest Beauty pears became one of the most famous varieties in Europe. Today Forest Beauty pears are still present in Europe, especially in the Baltic region, Ukraine, Belgium, Moldova, and Belarus, and the pears are also found in Central Asia and Russia. The Forest Beauty pears in the photograph above were discovered at the Green Market in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Supermarket Magnum
ул. Радостовца 292, Алматы 050060, Казахстан
Forest beauty pears of Kazakhstan. …Forest Beauty pears have a consistent shape featuring a bulbous base tapering to a rounded neck, and their golden yellow skin often develops a bright red blush in sunlight. Beneath the delicate surface, their flesh is ivory to pale yellow, crisp, and aqueous, encasing a fibrous core with brown seeds. Ripe fruits are aromatic, tender, and sweet, intermingled with subtle sour undertones for a balanced taste.
Supermarket Magnum
Almagul microdistrict 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Forest beauty pears of Kazakhstan. ..Forest Beauty pears are highly versatile in culinary use. Their sweet, juicy flesh shines in fresh salads, fruit bowls, or as delicate additions to cheese boards. They're also perfect for desserts, whether boiled in syrup for compotes, baked into tarts, or served over ice cream. Pair them with honey, vanilla, crème fraiche, nuts, or cheeses like brie and cheddar. Stored in the refrigerator, they remain fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
Supermarket Magnum
Almagul microdistrict 18 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Forest beauty pears of Kazakhstan. ..Forest Beauty pears are botanically known as Pyrus communis and are celebrated for their sweet flavor and juicy, fine-grained flesh. These autumn pears are versatile and grow well in various climates. Though easy to cultivate, they must be harvested a week before full maturity due to their short shelf life, ensuring their signature taste and quality.
Ecofreshmarket
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Forest Beauty pears originated in Belgium, where they were discovered growing naturally in a forest, giving the variety its name. Promoted by Belgian scientist J.B. Van Mos, these pears gained fame in the late 19th century across Europe. They remain a popular variety today, especially in regions like Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic states. They are also cultivated in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, where they were spotted at Almaty's Green Market.
Supermarket Galmart
улица Розыбакиева 263, Алматы 050060, Казахстан
Forest beauty pears of Kazakhstan. …Forest Beauty pears. These pears are highly cherished in Belgium not only for their sweet and juicy flavor but also for their resilience, thriving in cold regions and resisting disease. Many trees in home gardens have stood for over 20-30 years, becoming an enduring part of family traditions. Generations of Belgians recall enjoying fresh pears with their loved ones, reinforcing the fruit's nostalgic and cultural significance.
Supermarket Galmart
Rozybakiyev str 247, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Forest beauty pears of Kazakhstan. …Forest Beauty pears have a distinct oval, squat shape with a bulbous base and a slightly tapered, rounded neck. Their thin, rough skin is golden yellow with areas developing a red blush when exposed to sunlight. Inside, the crisp, pale yellow flesh surrounds a central fibrous core with a few brown seeds. When ripe, these pears offer a slippery, tender texture with a very sweet flavor complemented by subtle sour notes, making them a delightful fruit to enjoy.
Supermarket SMall
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, 13, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Forest beauty pears of Kazakhstan. …Forest Beauty pears originated in Belgium and gained popularity in Europe during the late 19th century as one of the most appreciated varieties for fresh consumption. Their juicy, fine-grained flesh and sweet flavor make them a favorite. These pears must be harvested a week before maturity to preserve their distinct taste but have a short shelf life, requiring careful handling for optimal enjoyment.
Supermarket Magnum
Almagul 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Forest beauty pears of Kazakhstan. …Forest Beauty Pears were first discovered growing naturally in Belgian forests, earning their name from their place of origin. Their cultivation and popularity surged thanks to Belgian scientist J.B. Van Mos in the late 19th century, making them one of Europe's most renowned pear varieties. They are still cultivated across Europe, Central Asia, and Russia, with some even located at markets like the Green Market in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Yubileinyi supermarket
проспект Абылай Хана 74, Алматы 050000, Казахстан
Forest beauty pears of Kazakhstan. …Forest Beauty Pears: This pear variety holds a special place in Belgium's home gardens due to its disease resistance, cold tolerance, and high productivity. Many of the trees have been growing for decades, with some enduring for over 20–30 years. Belgian families often associate these pears with cherished childhood memories of picking and eating them in the company of parents or grandparents, adding sentimental value to their cultivation.