Pacific, Northwest-grown USA pears are now available in produce sections from coast to coast. As we get into the full swing of the autumn season, Oregon and Washington pear growers are now harvesting an estimated 16 million standard box equivalents of fresh US-grown pears.
The fruit has an extended shelf life, helping consumers to avoid food waste, and complements a range of meals – from charcuterie boards and salads to baked goods or desserts.
“This year’s harvest was slow to start, due to a prolonged cold and wet spring, but the pears coming off the trees were worth the wait,” said Jim Morris, Marketing Manager at Pear Bureau Northwest. “This year’s crop is sweet and juicy and boasts a mouth-watering crunch.”
Despite what was a wet spring, USA Pears anticipates a crop on par with its five year average. The harvest was helped by an extra-long stretch of dry, warm weather. With 10 varieties of fresh pears grown in the Northwest, pears can now be found in the stores almost year-round.
“Pears are a healthy and nutritious selection for the whole family that can be enjoyed a bit longer, when stored properly,” added Mr Morris. “Simply move your ripe pears to the refrigerator to extend their life 3-5 more days. With food prices on the rise, choosing produce that keeps and that offers a nutritious bang for the buck is all the more important.”
Pears are high in dietary fibre, with 6 grams or 21% of the recommended daily value in just one pear. Fibre helps with gut health and supports bowel regularity, fibre-rich diets have been suggested to help in the prevention of various conditions and diseases. Pears also contain other essential nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium.
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