To know me is to know my love of fruit. If a fruit is high-quality and in-season, then I’m eating it. I go through cycles depending on seasonality, and now that we’re officially in autumn, it’s pear time.
Pears don’t get enough respect in the U.S., especially since some excellent pears are grown in Oregon and Washington. I’ve been as guilty as the next shopper, grabbing one at the grocery on occasion to accompany a cheese board or add to an apple crisp, and ignoring them otherwise.
No more! I’ve been on a quest to try various varieties of pears, and I’ve found a new favorite. Not just a favorite pear, a favorite fruit. And it’s a new type called Happi Pear.
Simply Recipes / Happi Pear
What Makes Happi Pears Special
Happi Pears are lovely to look at sitting in a bowl on your table, but they’re even better to eat. The fruit flat-out knocked my socks off when I tried it for the first time. I reached out to Brianna Shales, the marketing director at Stemilt (which distributes Happi Pear), for help describing the special pear. “It’s juicy and has just the right amount of zest,” she says.
“One of the great things about Happi Pear is… its ability to be eaten during many stages of ripeness. When green and firm, Happi is crunchy and zesty, and when yellow and soft, it is super juicy and sweet.”
One thing I’ve struggled with over the years with pears is nailing the ripeness and the texture. I’ve tried this pear both ways, and it’s great no matter what. I especially love it green and firm, since it has the pure crunch factor of an apple while still being juicy. It also has a little tartness, which transforms into a deeper sweetness once ripe.
I like eating them out of hand, but you can also use Happi Pears in baking (especially when still firm), in sauces, on a cheese board, or in a cocktail.
Where To Find Happi Pears
Happi Pears are available this year from September through November and can be found in many stores, including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco, The Fresh Market, Ingles, Hy-Vee, Meijer, and Mom’s Organic Market.
I’m eating as many as I can while they’re in season, and I suggest you do the same!
Read the original article on Simply Recipes
