Pears are closely related to apples and quinces. The Romans developed over 38 different pear varieties. The first pear trees arrived in North America with European settlers in the 1700's. Today, over 5,000 pear varieties are grown throughout the world. California, Washington, and Oregon are the primary producers of pears in the United States.
Pears are one of the few fruits that ripen more successfully off the tree.
Sliced pears brown quickly. You can retard oxidation by acidulating with a mild solution of lemon juice and water. My color can be either black or green, and I'm oil-cured in the Provencal village of Fonvielle. When I am black I have a rich deep flavor with just a hint of anise. When I am green I have a rich buttery texture with hints of pine, herbs, and citrus.