Forelle Pears
Estimated Inventory, 25 lbs : 0
This item was last sold on : 05/13/25
Description/Taste
Forelle pears are small in size, averaging 5-7 centimeters in length, and are symmetrical in shape with a rounded, bell-shaped base tapering to a short neck with a slender light green stem. The smooth, thin skin transforms from green to yellow when ripe and is covered in red blushing, crimson lenticels or pores, and has a slightly waxy sheen. The flesh is dense, coarse, moist, and off-white to cream-colored, encasing a few black-brown, tear-drop shaped seeds in a central core. When ripe, Forelle pears are crisp with sweet and tangy flavors and a hint of cinnamon.
Seasons/Availability
Forelle pears are available in the fall through winter.
Current Facts
Forelle pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a bi-colored variety that are members of the Rosaceae family along with peaches and apples. One of the oldest European pears in existence today, Forelle pears are only available for a short time each year and are favored for fresh eating or pairing with cheeses. Forelle pears are also one of the few varieties that change color when ripening. They transform from green to yellow with the lenticels remaining visible throughout the ripening process.
Nutritional Value
Forelle pears contain potassium, calcium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Applications
Forelle pears are best suited for raw applications as their small size is inconvenient for use in cooked recipes. They are most commonly enjoyed fresh as a snack, as an accompaniment in winter salads, and used as a garnish for savory soups. They can also be used in oatmeal, on cereal, in pancakes or waffles, layered in sandwiches, paninis, and quesadillas, chopped into salsa or used as a chocolate fondue item. Forelle pears compliment semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate, aged cheeses such as gorgonzola, goat, camembert, gouda, and manchego, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, Greek yogurt, chicken, pork belly, prosciutto, shrimp, crab, mango, apple, figs, tomatoes, watercress, mint, parsley, lemon, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, bell pepper, and bulgur. They will keep 2-4 days when stored at room temperature and a couple of weeks when stored in a perforated bag in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The word forelle means trout in German, which is a reference to the pear’s colorful skin and rosy pink blush. Many Germans believed the pear’s pore covered skin was similar to the color of a spawning salmon and named the pear as a play on the texture of the skin. Forelle pears are also a popular holiday variety as their rich hues provide color to edible centerpieces, household decorations, and gift baskets.
Geography/History
Forelle pears were a chance seedling first cultivated in Saxony, Germany in 1670 and are among only two dozen cultivars of European pears that are cultivated worldwide. They were then introduced to America by German immigrants in the 1800's. Today Forelle pears can be found at specialty grocers and farmers markets and are grown in the United States in Oregon and Washington, Europe, and Australia.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Forelle Pears. One
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