Garber Pears
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Garber pears are medium to large in size and are globular and squat in shape with a flat, round base that tapers slightly to a small neck and dark brown stem. The thin skin is firm, smooth, yellow-green, and can develop red blush as it ripens. The flesh is off-white to ivory and is crisp, dense, and semi-gritty with a central core encasing a few small, black-brown seeds. Garber pears are crunchy, similar to the texture of an apple, and have a moderately juicy consistency with a mild, sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Garber pears are available in the late summer through fall.
Current Facts
Garber pears are a rare, old-world variety that grows on trees that can reach seven meters in height and are members of the Rosaceae family along with apples and peaches. Believed to be a cross between a European pear, Pyrus communis, and a Japanese pear, Pyrus serotine, Garber pears were created from the sand pear and are known as an apple-pear or pear-apple for their similarities in shape and firm texture. Garber pears are popularly used for canning and processing. They are also planted as an ornamental in orchards for its sweet-smelling blossoms in the spring.
Nutritional Value
Garber pears contain vitamin C, fiber, and some potassium and calcium.
Applications
Garber pears are mostly known for being a processing pear, but they can also be consumed in fresh applications. They are commonly sliced for canning and should be used when they are still firm. They can also be used for fresh eating and can be sliced over a green salad to add texture, displayed on a cheese plate, layered in sandwiches for an added crunch, or served plain as a snack. Garber pears compliment leafy greens such as arugula, kale, and spinach, celery, fennel, cheeses such as manchego, blue, and gorgonzola, and apples, strawberries, grape, and blackberries. They will keep for several weeks when stored in the refrigerator and for one week when stored are room temperature.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Garber pears were added to the American Pomological Society’s list of recommended fruits in 1891 and can still be found on this list today. The American Pomological Society is one of the oldest fruit organizations in North America and was developed in 1848 by Marshall P. Wilder who later became the president of the organization.
Geography/History
Garber pears are native to Columbia, Pennsylvania and were created by J.B. Garber in the mid-to-late 19th century from a Chinese sand pear seedling. Today Garber pears are rare and are only found in limited quantities through specialty orchards and farmers markets in the United States, especially in the Mississippi Valley and in New York.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Garber Pears. One
is easiest, three is harder.| The Pioneer Woman |
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Pear Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream |
| Not Enough Cinnamon |
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Pear and Caramelized Onions Pork Chops |
| Words of Deliciousness |
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Pear Cream Cheese Crumble Bars |
Podcasts
