WEST COAST UPDATE 9-21-2023

WARREN PEARS

   The Warren pear tree was named for Thomas O. Warren, a founding father of the North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX), who discovered this gem in Mississippi, in 1976. The Warren pear is medium to large, long-necked, drop-shaped fruit is faded green with an occasional red blush in full sun. That said, the Warren pears can vary in size and shape. The Warren pears are sweet, spicy and very juicy, buttery, silky flesh with no grit. The pears are rated equal to Magness by many. Unlike other fruit, pears need a little time to adjust to being off the tree. Best when kept in cold storage for a bit after harvest. That extra time before eating is key. At just a few degrees above freezing, the starches in the pears become sugars, the skin gets thinner, and the juiciness improves.   A Warren pear is hyper versatile. It can be roasted, turned into soup, added to salads, poached, or made into a crisp. In the early season, it’s great for slicing and enjoying with cheeses—especially sheep milk cheeses, like pecorino.  Warren pears are organically grown in the USA, packed in 24-36 count cases, and are now in the market.