Pears (Conference) Extra large

Description/Taste

Conference pears are medium to large in size and have a narrow, rounded base that tapers to a long and thin neck connecting to a green-brown stem. The mottled, thick skin is green with patches of brown russeting and transforms into a pale yellow when ripe. The flesh is ivory to cream-coloured, sometimes with a pink tinge, and has a fine-grained, soft, and moist texture. When ripe, Conference pears are crisp and juicy with a melting consistency and have a sweet flavour with subtle notes of perfume.

Seasons/Availability

Conference pears are available in the mid-fall through winter.

Current Facts

Conference pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a European variety that are members of the Rosaceae family along with apples, peaches, and apricots. Discovered as an open-pollinated seedling in England, Conference pears are also known as Belgium pears in respect to its native Belgium parent variety the leon leclerc de laval pear. Conference pears are favoured for their unique, slender shape and smooth texture, and are often regarded as one of the most well-known all-purpose pears in the British Isles. They are also exported to many countries in Asia because of their long storage capabilities.

Nutritional Value

Conference pears contain vitamin C, fibre, potassium, and calcium.

Applications

Conference pears are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as baking, roasting, and poaching. They can be served fresh out-of-hand in leafy green salads, in fruit salads, sliced on top of pancakes, oatmeal, and pudding, or displayed on a cheese plate. Conference pears can also be poached in wine and citrus zest or simple syrup, baked on a pizza, blended in smoothies with ginger, roasted in warm spices, or baked in a tart or cheesecake. Conference pears complement walnuts, almonds, pecans, ginger, garlic, onion, smoked fish, bacon, ham, blue cheese, and kale. These pears need time to ripen and can be placed on the counter for up to 3-4 weeks. Conference pears can also be stored for up to two months in the refrigerator.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Conference pears were named after the International Pear Conference that was held in 1885 in England. This was the place that the new variety was debuted, and it ended up winning first prize at the conference. Conference pears then went on to win an Award of Merit in 1993 from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Geography/History

Conference pears were discovered in 1884 by Thomas Frances Rivers, a well-known farmer and chairman of the pear conference, at his nursery in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire in England. Conference pears are derived from the Belgium leon Leclerc de laval pear and were debuted and recognized as a new variety at the International Pear Conference in 1885. Today Conference pears are grown in Belgium, the Netherlands, England, and in some parts of France and the United States. They can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers and are also exported to China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Health Benefits of Pear

Pears are often recommended as a hypo-allergenic fruit that is high in fiber but less likely to produce adverse reactions. Pear juice is safe to be introduced to infants as they are mild, yet healthful.

Blood pressure: Pears have anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogen glutathione which help prevent high blood pressure and stroke.

Cancer prevention: The high vitamin C and copper content act as good anti-oxidants that protect cells from damages by free radicals.

Cholesterol: The high content of pectin in pears make it very useful in helping to lower cholesterol levels.

Colon health: When not juicing, eat the pear whole for its precious fiber that are highly beneficial for your colon health.

Constipation: The pectin in pears is diuretic and have a mild laxative effect. Drinking pear juice regularly helps regulate bowel movements.

Energy: You can get quick and natural source of energy from pear juice, due largely to its high amounts of fructose and glucose.

Fever: The cooling effect in pear is excellent in relieving fever. Best way to bring a fever down quickly is by drinking a big glass of pear juice.

Immune booster: The anti-oxidant nutrients in pears are critical in building up your immune system. Drink pear juice when you feel a cold coming.

Inflammation: Pear juice has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps relieve sufferers of much pain in various inflammatory conditions.

Osteoporosis: Pears contain high level of boron. Boron helps the body to retain calcium, thus prevents or retards osteoporosis.

Pregnancy: The high content of folate (folic acid) prevents neural tube defects in infants.

Shortness of breath: The summer heat may cause children to have shortness of breath with excessive phlegm. Drink pear juice during this period to help clear the phlegm.

Throat problem: The pears are in season during the summer for a reason. Drinking pear juice every morning and night helps to cool your body down during this time. It nourishes the throat and helps prevent throat problems.

Vocal chord: Boil two Chinese pear juice with some raw honey and drink warm. This is extremely healing for the throat and the vocal cord.