Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Description/Taste
Duchess pears are medium to large-sized fruits that have a globular, oval, bulbous, to ovate shape, depending on the individual variety and whether it is classified as a summer or winter pear. Summer Duchess pears have thin, light green to yellow skin with prominent lenticels, while Winter Duchess pears have smooth, yellow skin with light pink to red blushing. Underneath the skin, both types of pears have an aqueous, cream-colored to white, soft flesh. Duchess pears, when ripe, are highly aromatic with a sweet, honey-like taste mixed with subtle tangy notes.
Seasons/Availability
Duchess pears are available in the late summer through winter.
Current Facts
Duchess pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a very sweet and flavorful variety that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Native to the United Kingdom, Duchess pears are an easy-to-grow cultivar known for their juicy nature, large fruits, and vibrant flavor. There are two main types of Duchess pears defined by their harvesting times, labeled as summer and winter pears, and within these types, there are multiple varieties with varying flavors, sizes, and coloring. When found in markets, the pears may be labeled generally as Duchess, or they may be labeled by their specific variety name. Duchess pears are considered a versatile pear used as both a canning and dessert variety, and they are one of the more popular varieties found in European and Central Asian markets.
Nutritional Value
Duchess pears are a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the immune system and fiber, which can help improve digestion. The pears also contain some vitamin A, calcium, iron, and other antioxidants to support overall health and repair of bodily tissues and organs.
Applications
Duchess pears are a multipurpose cultivar, suitable for both raw and cooked applications such as baking and simmering. Summer Duchess pears are showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand as a dessert variety, and the flesh can be sliced and mixed into fruit bowls, tossed into green salads, or sliced and topped over porridges, cereals, ice cream, and sorbet. The pears can also be blended into juices, carbonated beverages, and smoothies, or made into wine. Winter Duchess pears can be cooked into jams, jellies, and compotes, infused into syrups and honey, made into a compote, or baked into pies, tarts, and cobblers. They can also be used in salads, served with cooked meats, or incorporated into soups. Duchess pears pair well with fruits such as apples, grapes, plums, cranberries, and cherries, nuts such as walnuts and cashews, cheeses such as blue cheese, cheddar, and gorgonzola, and meats such as pork and poultry. The fresh pears will keep for two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Russia, Duchess pears are used in a popular carbonated beverage known as Duchess soda or lemonade. The drink was created in the 1930s as a part of a new line of carbonated beverages, and the sweet, slightly acidic drink is made out of sparkling water mixed with pear-infused syrup, lemon juice, and sugar. Duchess beverages are often sold in bottles through vendors across the major cities in Russia, and some locals believe the drink can help increase digestion. There are also Duchess pear hard candies that are flavored with the fruit. The candy’s wrappers are also patterned with pictures of the pear.
Geography/History
Duchess pears are native to the United Kingdom, where they were created by a well-known English breeder named D. Wheeler in the late 18th century. After its development, Duchess pears were distributed across Europe with the help of V. Williams and were featured at exhibitions to promote the new variety. Williams became highly associated with the pear, and one type was even named after him. Over time, pear cultivation also expanded into Asia, and today Duchess pears are grown throughout Europe, in regions of Central Asia, and across Russia. The Duchess pears pictured in the photograph above were discovered at the Green Market in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Duchess Pears. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Maggie Beer |
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Sparkling Chardonnay, Orange Blossom & Pear Mocktail |
Recently Shared
People have shared Duchess Pears using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Bibikhonim Str., Samarqand, Узбекистан
Siab Bazaar
Bibikhonim Str., Samarqand, Узбекистан About 9 days ago, 11/25/21 Sharer's comments : dutchess pears of Uzbekistan 
Tau Samal market
Алматы, Кунаева (Каменка), 35в/2 About 78 days ago, 9/16/21 Sharer's comments : Fragrant Duchess pears are finally available at Almaty markets and stores 
Rozybakiyeva str 247 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Galmart supermarket
Rozybakiyeva str 247 A, Almaty, Kazakhstan' About 202 days ago, 5/16/21 Sharer's comments : Duchess pears grown in China have different look and taste from local ones 
Suyunbai avenue, 2, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
Suyunbai avenue, 2, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 223 days ago, 4/25/21 Sharer's comments : Duchess pears from China 
Almagul micro district, 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
Almagul micro district, 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 227 days ago, 4/21/21 Sharer's comments : Duchess pears from China look much different from those grown in Kazakhstan 
Almagul micro district, 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Magnum cash and carry
Almagul micro district, 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 295 days ago, 2/11/21 Sharer's comments : These duchess pears grown in China have a different look from those grown in KZ 
Isinaliyeva 34, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Weekend food fair
Isinaliyeva 34, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 363 days ago, 12/06/20 Sharer's comments : Duchess pears at Almaty weekend food fair 
Zhibek Zholy 53, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Green market
Zhibek Zholy 53, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 378 days ago, 11/20/20 Sharer's comments : Duchess pears of Almaty region 
Zhibek Zholy str. 53, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Green Bazaar
Zhibek Zholy str. 53, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 405 days ago, 10/25/20 Sharer's comments : Juicy Duchess pears from Talgar, Almaty region 
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhfilm weekend fod fair
Vishnevaya 34, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 636 days ago, 3/08/20 Sharer's comments : Duchess pear from Kyrgyzstan 
Zhibek Zholy 53
Green market
Zhibek zholy 53 About 680 days ago, 1/24/20 Sharer's comments : Sweet and juicy Duchess pear locally grown at the green market of Almaty |
