Pear Facts

Pear facts

Learn fun pear facts and general information about pears. This page includes how pears grow, how to choose and store them, nutrition facts, and easy pear recipe ideas.

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Fun Pear Facts

  • Pears grow on trees.
  • Pears are often picked before they are ripe.
  • They continue ripening after they are picked.
  • Pears can be used in salads, desserts, snacks, and savory meals.
  • Pears contain fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

How Pears Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Pears Are Available

Pears naturally peak from August through October.

How Do Pears Grow?

Pears grow on trees as they are a fruit. They are often picked before they are ripe and ripen off the tree.

Pear tree

What to Look for When Buying a Pear

A pear should be a little soft when touched. Avoid pears that have dark spots, are shriveled, or have soft spots.

Pear Storage Tips

Allow pears to ripen at room temperature.

Kid Tip: Check pears each day as they ripen so you can enjoy them when they are just right.

How to Cook with Pears

How to Use Pears

  1. Allow pears to ripen until slightly soft.
  2. Wash and slice or chop them.
  3. Use pears in desserts, with cheeses, nuts, ham, pork, or enjoy them fresh.
Cooking Tip: Pears can often be used the same way you would use chopped apples in dessert recipes.

Pear Ripeness

Firm pears may need more time to ripen.

Slightly soft pears are often ready to eat.

Overripe pears may develop soft spots and should be used quickly.

Food Science: Ripening Pears

Why Do Pears Ripen After They Are Picked?

Pears keep changing after they are picked. As they ripen, they become softer, juicier, and sweeter.

That is why many pears are sold firm and then left at room temperature until they are ready to eat.

Mini Activity

Pear Ripeness Check

  1. Look at a pear and notice its color and shape.
  2. Gently touch the pear to see if it feels firm or a little soft.
  3. Check it again the next day and compare how it feels.
  4. Talk about how fruit changes as it ripens.

This simple activity helps kids observe how pears ripen over time.

Pear Nutrition Facts

Pears are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. One serving size is one medium pear.

  • Pears contain fiber.
  • They are a source of potassium.
  • Pears also provide vitamin C.
  • One medium pear counts as one serving of fruit.

More Food Fact Resources




Pear Recipes

Walnut Pear Salad

A fresh pear salad made with pears, honey, greens, olive oil, walnuts, and cheese.

  • Category: Salad
  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 5 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
Walnut pear salad
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By: Debbie

Ingredients

  • 4 pears
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 6 cups salad greens
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped or pine nuts
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Chopped beets or other vegetables

Directions

  1. Toast walnuts on a baking sheet for several minutes in a 375 degree oven.
  2. Cool the walnuts while making the salad.
  3. Cut pears into pieces. Drizzle with honey and set aside.
  4. Add greens to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Toss pears, walnuts, cheese, and optional vegetables with greens and serve immediately.
Serving Tip: This salad works well as a light lunch or a side dish.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Pears

A simple pear snack made with strawberry cream cheese, brown sugar, and fresh pear halves.

  • Category: Snack
  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: No cooking
  • Yield: Varies
pears stuffed cream cheese
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Ingredients

  • Small package of strawberry cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 pear, unpeeled and halved
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

  1. Blend cream cheese and brown sugar in a bowl.
  2. Have an adult cut the pear in half and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Spread lemon juice over the pear.
  4. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top.
Kid-Friendly Tip: This is a good recipe for kids to help assemble after an adult prepares the pear halves.

Pear and Nut Pizzas

A sweet pear pizza made with pizza crust, chopped pears, nuts, brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla yogurt.

  • Category: Dessert
  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
Pear and nut pizzas
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Ingredients

  • Pizza crust
  • Chopped pears
  • Chopped nuts
  • Brown sugar
  • Nutmeg
  • Vanilla yogurt

Directions

  1. Bake the pizza crust until golden brown.
  2. Layer pears and nuts over the top and sprinkle with brown sugar and nutmeg.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until the sugar is melted.
  4. Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side.
Flavor Tip: Pears and nutmeg make a warm, sweet flavor combination.

More Pear Ideas

Baked pears

Try Baked Pears

See another easy way to cook pears.

Pear salad

Make Pear Salad

Use pears in a fresh salad with greens, nuts, and cheese.

Pear pizza idea

Add Pears to Dessert Pizza

Try pears on a sweet pizza with nuts and yogurt.

Kids Cooking Video: Pear Tart

Pear Facts FAQ

When are pears available?

Pears naturally peak from August through October.

How do pears grow?

Pears grow on trees. They are often picked before they are ripe and finish ripening off the tree.

What should you look for when buying a pear?

Choose pears that are a little soft when touched. Avoid pears with dark spots, shriveled skin, or soft spots.

How should pears be stored?

Allow pears to ripen at room temperature.

What nutrients are in pears?

Pears are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. One serving is one medium pear.

Keep Learning About Pears

Food Facts hub

Food Facts Hub

Explore more ingredient pages and food learning ideas.

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Kids Cooking Lessons

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Walnut pear salad

Walnut Pear Salad

Use pears in a fresh salad recipe.

pears stuffed cream cheese

Cream Cheese Stuffed Pears

Try pears in an easy snack recipe.

Share your food facts and recipes

Do you have a food facts or recipe to share?


Explore More Food Facts

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Food Group Facts:
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