Featured Crop
California Grown Pears
Juicy and fragrant, pears from the San Joaquin Valley offer a delicate sweetness ideal for fresh eating or cooking.
Cooking classes
Golden Pear Tart
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Crisp Pear Carpaccio
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Varieties
Bartlett, Bosc and Comice flourish in Valley growing conditions.
Prep Tips
Enjoy fresh when slightly soft, poach in wine or add to cheese boards. Ripen at room temperature.
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.
When can I buy pears?
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 of pears
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 pears
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.
Explore other crops
Zucchini
A tender, mild squash that thrives in warm weather, zucchini is delicious grilled, sautéed, or baked into bread.
Apples
Crisp and sweet, California apples are harvested in late summer and fall, perfect for snacking, baking, and cider.
Tomatoes
Bursting with sweetness and acidity, vine-ripened tomatoes from the San Joaquin Valley are a summer favorite for salads, sauces, and sandwiches.
Blueberries
Small but packed with flavor, California-grown blueberries are sweet, juicy, and rich in antioxidants.