Sweet Sensation Pears
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Sweet Sensation pears are a medium to large varietal averaging 6 to 8 centimeters in diameter. The fruits have a bulbous, blocky pyriform appearance with a broad, curved base tapering to a short, thick, stocky neck. The woody, dark brown stem is also stout and wide, and the pear’s skin is thin, taut, and lightly textured. Sweet Sensation pears are known for their blushed coloring. The fruit has a yellow-green base hue and is almost entirely covered in a muted red-to-burgundy blush. The blush ranges in coverage from around 40 to 70% of the fruit. The skin also showcases some dark brown markings and grey-brown lenticels, depending on growing conditions. Underneath the skin, the white flesh is firm, crunchy, grainy, and chewy when slightly underripe. As it matures, it still retains a firm consistency but softens and develops a tender, juicy, and succulent nature. The flesh also encases a central core filled with tiny black-brown seeds that should be discarded during consumption. Sweet Sensation pears are edible raw once ripe, and maturity can be determined when their base coloring changes to pale yellow and the neck around the stalk gives slightly to pressure. The fruits have 12 to 13 degrees Brix, a sugar measurement, indicating a refreshing, sweet, fruity, and mild flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Sweet Sensation pears are available year-round, as the variety is cultivated in both hemispheres for a staggered supply. In the northern hemisphere, the fruits are produced from October through March, while in the southern hemisphere, they are grown from March through August.
Current Facts
Sweet Sensation pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a European variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The red-blushed fruits were discovered growing as a natural mutation of the famous Doyenné du Comice pears in an orchard in the Netherlands in the late 20th century and were selected for commercial cultivation for their distinct coloring, texture, and size. Sweet Sensation is the brand name for the pear variety, also known as Doyenne Rouge and Rode Doyenné van Doorn. The pears are a specialty variety that shares many textural and flavor qualities with Doyenné du Comice, but they stand out in markets for their pigmented, flushed skin, bringing diversity into the pear market. Since its release, Sweet Sensation pears have expanded in production to regions worldwide, and the variety is promoted for its extended storage capabilities and versatility. Sweet Sensation pears are a premium fruit sought by home chefs for a wide array of raw and cooked culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
Sweet Sensation pears are a source of fiber to stimulate and regulate the digestive tract and antioxidants to protect the body’s overall health and reduce inflammation. Pears also provide potassium to balance and replenish fluid levels in the body and copper to help produce red blood cells. Other nutrients include vitamins C, E, and B. Vitamin C helps the body to strengthen the immune system, vitamin E guards the cells against free radical damage, and B vitamins assist in maintaining healthy tissues.
Applications
Sweet Sensation pears have a sweet, fruity, and subtly floral taste suited for fresh or cooked preparations. The variety is versatile due to its firmer consistency, enabling the fruits to be eaten out of hand or cooked as they can hold their shape. It is recommended to consume Sweet Sensation pears slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. The fruits can be sliced and served on cheese boards, chopped into grain bowls, or sliced into sweet or savory salads. Once opened, the flesh does brown with time. Sprinkling slices of the fruit in lemon juice will help slow browning for fresh dishes. Sweet Sensation pears can also be sliced and layered into sandwiches, topped with soft dips and cheeses as an appetizer, or incorporated into fruit medleys. In addition to raw uses, Sweet Sensation pears are folded into various pasta dishes, sliced into risotto, or used as a pizza topping. They can also be cooked as a side to meat main dishes or wrapped in puff pastry and baked whole. Try poaching Sweet Sensation pears in a wine-based or chocolate sauce or baking the fruits into pies with apples. Sweet Sensation pears complement dishes with other ingredients like hazelnuts, cinnamon, ginger, raspberries, thyme, goat cheese, and figs. Unripe Sweet Sensation pears should be left at room temperature to mature. Once ripe, the fruits can be immediately eaten or stored in the fridge for a few days. Before eating, take the pears out of the fridge and leave them at room temperature for several hours to enhance the flavoring.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Sweet Sensation pears were named for their taste and unique texture. The variety is juicy, but one of the distinguishing characteristics is that the flesh remains firmer, preventing the juice from dripping down on the face. The pear’s marketing promotes this distinct juicy but firm trait and labels it a “new Sweet Sensation.” The variety is also promoted for its ability to be carried as a healthy, on-the-go snack. Its firmer consistency allows the fruit to be eaten out of hand without the fear of spilling juice or dripping. During production, only fruits that meet specific requirements and quality checks are sold under the Sweet Sensation brand name. Pears not meeting the criteria are sold under the Sweet Doret name.
Geography/History
Sweet Sensation pears were discovered in the Netherlands in the village of Wijdenes in the North Holland province. The new, red-flushed fruit was first noticed by grower Simon Broertjes in 1992 in his Doyenné du Comice pear orchard on a tree that traditionally produced green pears. Mr. Broertjes continued to observe and develop the naturally mutated fruits and eventually shared them with fellow grower Joop van Doorn. In 2000, Joop van Doorn purchased the rights to the red-blushed pears and named them Rode Doyenné van Doorn. The new variety later became a club pear, managed by Licensed Varieties Editors B.V., a subsidiary of The Greenery B.V. established in Barendrecht, The Netherlands. In 2007, Rode Doyenné van Doorn pears were rebranded under the name Sweet Sensation and were officially marketed to the public in 2010. Plantings expanded throughout Europe between 2011 and 2013 to France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Production was also introduced into the Southern Hemisphere in 2014, mainly in Argentina, Chile, Australia, and South Africa, to create a year-round supply. Today, Sweet Sensation pears are commercially cultivated throughout both hemispheres and are sold in select supermarkets as a specialty fresh-eating pear. The Sweet Sensation pears featured in the photograph above were sourced through vendors at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany.
