Red Anjou Pears
Estimated Inventory, 20 lbs : 3.55
This item was last sold on : 07/11/25
Description/Taste
Red Anjou pears are medium in size, averaging eight centimeters in diameter, and are short, squat, and egg-shaped with a wide base that gradually tapers to a rounded top with a thick, dark-brown stem. The smooth, firm skin can range in color from deep red, maroon, rust-colored, to a lighter, crimson red with occasional striations and is covered in lenticels or pores. The flesh is white to cream-colored, dense, and buttery with a slightly gritty texture. When ripe, Red Anjou pears are juicy and soft with subtle, sweet flavors and mild notes of lemon and lime.
Seasons/Availability
Red Anjou pears are available year-round, with peak season in the fall through early spring.
Current Facts
Red Anjou pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a European winter variety and are members of the Rosaceae or rose family. Also known as D’Anjou and Red Danjou, Red Anjou pears are close relatives of the green anjou and the only true difference between the two is the color of the fruit’s skin. Both varieties can be used interchangeably in recipes, and a unique feature of anjou pears is the unchanging skin color. Red Anjou pears retain their deep maroon hues when ripe and ripen from the inside out. To determine when the pear is ready for consumption, slight pressure should be given to the neck of the fruit. If it has a delicate give, then the fruit is ripe and ready to be used.
Nutritional Value
Red Anjou pears contain vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and some riboflavin.
Applications
Red Anjou pears are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as grilling, poaching, roasting, and baking. They can be sliced and mixed in bitter green salads, chopped into a pear pico de gallo for pork tacos, blended into pancakes, layered in sandwiches such as banh mi, or pureed into soups. Red Anjou pears are also suited for poaching in either red or white wine with a touch of cinnamon, can be baked into tarts, or can be used interchangeably with green anjou pears in recipes as their red coloring only runs skin deep. Red Anjou pears compliment cheeses such as gorgonzola, goat, brie, and parmesan, pulled pork, poultry, meatballs, onions, scallions, garlic, cilantro, lemongrass, basil, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, radicchio, kale, arugula, green olives, almonds, pecans, walnuts, dates, cinnamon, and cardamom. They will keep 3-5 months when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Red Anjou pears are favored for their ruby, maroon skin and are often used as an eye-catching décor piece. They are commonly displayed on kitchen tables in a large bowl or are used as a visual accent in green salads and on cheese plates. They are also traditionally given in holiday gift baskets.
Geography/History
Red Anjou pears were discovered as a “bud sport” growing on a green anjou pear tree in Medford, Oregon in the 1950s and then again Parkdale, Oregon in the 1970s. Bud sports are naturally occurring mutations that typically go unnoticed on a tree, but because of the Red Anjou’s unique coloring, they were selected for cultivation. Today Red Anjou pears are predominantly grown in the Pacific Northwest in the United States and can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Shorehouse Kitchen | La Jolla CA | 858-459-3300 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery - Pub 980 | Vista CA | 760-420-7764 |
| Fresh Sushi Catering | Carlsbad CA | 858-344-7098 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Golf Course Amenities | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Drift Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-263-4298 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Shorehouse Kitchen Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 858-663-9916 |
| Claire's on Cedros - SKSB | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Javier Plascencia | Bonita CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Birdseye Rooftop | San Diego CA | 619-206-7220 |
| Toast Cafe | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| Asti Ristorante | San Diego CA | 619-232-8844 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Anjou Pears. One
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