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DID YOU KNOW?

California’s climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, is perfect for pear cultivation.

FEATURED CROP

California Grown Pears

Juicy and fragrant, pears from the San Joaquin Valley offer a delicate sweetness ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

Videos from the Cooking Classes

Crisp
Pear Carpaccio

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Golden
Pear Tart

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

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Varieties

Bartlett, Bosc and Comice flourish in Valley growing conditions.

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Prep Tips

Enjoy fresh when slightly soft, poach in wine or add to cheese boards. Ripen at room temperature.

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Nutrition

Good source of fiber and vitamin C. Contains antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Cultivation

California’s mild climate and fertile soils make it an ideal place for growing pears. The trees thrive in well-drained soils with plenty of sunlight, typically planted in early spring. Pears need a chilling period during the winter to ensure proper fruit development, but once established, they require minimal irrigation. The harvest usually occurs in late summer through early fall, depending on the variety.

Where to Buy

California-grown pears are typically available from late summer to fall, with peak harvest from August to October. During this time, local farmers’ markets and grocery stores offer fresh, ripe pears ready for consumption. When buying pears, look for fruit that is firm but yields slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end, indicating ripeness. Different pear varieties, such as Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou, have varying peak seasons.

Nutritional Value

Pears are a great source of dietary fiber, especially in the skin, and provide vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. A medium-sized pear contains approximately 100 calories, 6 grams of fiber, and 10% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C. Eating pears regularly can support digestive health, boost immunity, and help regulate blood pressure.

How to Store

Store unripe pears at room temperature until they ripen, then transfer them to the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer. Pears ripen quickly, so check them daily. To store pears for a longer period, freeze them after peeling, coring, and slicing. Spread the slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag.

CALIFORNIA FRESH FARMERS MARKET ASSOCIATION

8839 N. Cedar Ave Fresno CA 93720

©2025 by CFFMA

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