Author: Cyndie Story
Last saved by: michelle.armstrong
Company: Culinary Solution Centers, LLC

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Fruit Preparation Methods and Tips

Segment 17: Pear

Chef Cyndie: Like apples, pears are among some of the most popular fruit in the U.S.  Varieties such as the Anjou, Bosc, and Bartlett can be found in most supermarkets.  And nutritious too; one medium pear contains six grams of fiber.
When selecting a ripe pear, a Bartlett’s skin color brightens as it ripens, but the Anjou and Bosc show little change in color. 
The best way to judge ripeness for non-Bartlett varieties is to check the neck.  Apply gentle pressure to the neck of the pear with your thumb. If it yields to pressure, it’s ripe.  Pears may be served whole, but a sectionizer makes it easy to create pear slices.
Rinse the pear, place the apple/pear wedger/corer blade assembly into the unit.  Make sure the pusher head aligns perfectly and slides easily through the blade before placing fruit in the unit.  Lift the pusher head with the handle, and place the pear on the blade.  Line up the pear core with the blade, and bring the pusher head down until it holds the pear in place.  Without hesitation, push down on the sectionizer handle forcing the pear through the blades. 

Voila!  Pear slices. But, just like apples, sliced pears will turn brown. You must dip the pear slices into an acid like lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice to prevent browning.  These juices may be combined with three parts water, however if you are using reconstituted lemon juice, do not add water as this may dilute the acid allowing the pears to turn brown.  If your pears are browning after putting them in a juice, check the concentration of water to acid.

My suggestion to prevent browning when preparing lots of pear slices is to place the acid into a pan and place a perforated pan inside like so.  As you are slicing pears, periodically toss the pears in the acid.  Once you are done, simply lift out the perforated pan and drain the acid away.  
An apple a day or a pear a day, eating fresh fruits and vegetables every day will keep the doctor away.