Growing Region: Rogue River valley, Oregon and The Hood River Valley, Oregon

Flavor Profile: The Anjou has a dense flesh that is mildly sweet

Ripening: The Anjou skin is bright green and sometimes can show a soft blush. The skin color changes only subtly during the ripening process. The Anjou is ripe when it yields to gentle pressure at the stem end

The Anjou is a versatile pear. Its dense flesh makes it hold up well in cooking but it also eats well sliced or out of hand

Growing Region: The Sacramento River Delta, California

Flavor Profile: Sweet and flavorful — nicknamed “Baby Bartlett” for its familiar shape

Ripening: The Sunsprite’s green skin yellows slightly when fully ripe

Well-suited for kids’ lunches and excellent as an appetizer

Growing Region: The Sacramento River Delta, California

Flavor Profile: Like the Bartlett, the Starkrimson has the classic pear flavor

Ripening: The Starkrimson turns from a dark crimson red to a bright crimson red as it ripens

Think of it much like you would a Bratlett. However, the Starkrimson’s unique color adds a gourmet touch to salads, desserts and cooking

Growing Region: The Sacramento River Delta, California, Lake and Mendocino Counties, California

Flavor Profile: The beautiful Rivermaid Red Pear has the same flavor and texture as the Bartlett

Ripening: The skin of the Rivermaid will display and brighter and brighter red color as it ripens. When it yields to gentle pressure, it is ready to eat

The Rivermaid Red is best eaten sliced and eaten alone or served with strong cheeses. The Rivermaid Red’s juiciness keeps it from being a good cooking pear

Growing Region: Sacramento River Delta, Lake and Mendocino Counties California, Rogue River Valley and The Hood River Valley, Oregon

Flavor Profile: Beneath the russet skin is a sweet-spicy flesh that is tender and crunchy

Ripening: The Golden Bosc is a firmer pear. Allow it to ripen at room temperature. It is ready to eat when it gives to gentle pressure at its neck and when you see its stem begin to shrivel at its base

The Golden Bosc is ideal for baking, poaching and cooking. However it is also excellent eaten sliced with strong cheeses and wine.

Growing Region: Sacramento River Delta, California, Lake and Mendocino Counties, Northern California, Rogue River Valley Oregon and The Hood River Valley, Oregon

Flavor Profile: The Bartlett has the quintessential pear flavor. It is considered the sweetest and juiciest of all the pears. It is the most popular variety in America

Ripening: Sometimes the Bartletts in grocery stores are green. Green Bartletts will change to yellow as they ripen at home when left at room temperature. Do not refrigerate until your Bartletts are at the ripeness you desire

The Bartlett is perfect to eat out of hand. It’s also good for fruit salads or slicing into lettuce salads with crumbled blue cheese. The Bartlett is an excellent pear for canning and cooking.