For Christmas this year my brother, Andy, gave me a box of pears from that famous fruit duo, Harry and David. (At the least, I was hoping for a mixed box of fruit).
Not being partial to pears, I thought, “These will be wasted on me.” I never cared for the grainy texture I associate with pears and they always were too hard for my palate.
Well, being the good consumer that I am, I thoroughly read through the enclosed information card which stated that these pears are “So big and juicy, you eat them with a spoon.” I have never eaten a pear with a spoon. What are they talking about??
I followed the directions for ripening the fruit, and when the ‘flesh at the base of the stem yields slightly to gentle thumb pressure,’ I cut one in half, cut out the core and proceeded to eat it with a spoon. It was the juiciest, most flavorful pear I have ever experienced – more like a ripe melon in flavor and in texture. The grittiness was concentrated near the skin. I would even grow a tree or two myself if I could find the variety -Royal Riviera Pears – They are delicious. Thanks, Andy.