Fruit and Berries | Pears
Pears have been cultivated for many centuries. Cultivated is thought to have started during the Roman occupation. There are specific mentions of old pear trees as markers in the Doomsday book. In the 1300s the first important British pear variety, the Wardon, was introduced by Cistercian Monks at Wardon in Bedfordshire. It was widely used for pies, which became known as Wardon pies. In 1770 one of the most important varieties still in cultivation today was developed. It was the William's Bon Chrétien bred by Stair, a schoolmaster at Aldermaston in Berkshire.
Nowadays, most of the pears grown in the UK are Conference, Comice or Concord.
Pears are also used to make perry (similar to cider) which is enjoying something of a revival. Special perry pears are used of which there are hundreds of varieties.
Another wonderful autumn treat, pears come in a range of flavours and textures and can be enjoyed in many different ways (other than as a delicious snack on their own). Exceptional when poached with red wine and vanilla, they are also stunning with chocolate as in the classic French dessert Poires Belle Hélène. Alternatively try them in salads or add to an after-dinner cheese board; try them with a number of strong Scottish cheeses.
Nutritional Benefits
Pears are a very good source of dietary fibre. They are rich in sugars and contain small amounts of phosphorus and vitamins A and C.