There are over 5000 pear varieties grown throughout the world. Distinctions are usually made between Asian, European and American pear cultivars. Asian pears are round, crunchy, and sweet fruit, quite different from what we tend to mean when we think of a pear. They are however gaining in popularity although their season is quite limited.

In the US, the most commonly grown variety of pears is the Bartlett. In fact it accounts for about 70% of the US pear market. Further, the majority of Bartletts are grown in California, Washington and Oregon. Many never see the stores and are quickly sold to large canning companies. In fact, Americans can more pears than they eat fresh. In Europe canned pears are less common and the pear is often eaten fresh for dessert. Its sweetness makes an excellent contrast to sharp cheese.

The Bartlett pear actually comes in green flesh and red flesh variety. The fully ripe Bartlett may be somewhat yellow, but the Red Bartlett pear develops its red skin prior to being fully ripe. Similarly the D’Anjou pear, often called the Anjou pear, can be either red or yellow, or like an apple, this pear can have a red blush when fully ripe.

Bosc pears are very different in appearance. Their skin is brown, and often has a slightly grainy texture. However, the flesh is sweet and smooth. They make an excellent contrast because they have an elongated top half and are less round and squat than the Bartlett and Anjou. Bosc pears are quite popular and generally quite easy to find in grocery stores.

The Comice pear, in contrast to the Bosc is quite large, and one of the more round varieties of pear. Alternately, the Seckels are tiny pears that literally burst with sweetness. Many people also enjoy the Royal Pear, copyrighted by Harry and Davids, a specialty foods store. While this pear is an excellent and juicy fruit, many feel the price, usually about 10 US dollars (USD) per pound, is prohibitive.

With so many varieties of pears, it would be difficult to name them all. For example, Gloucestershire, England alone grows and recognizes about 100 varieties. What can be said about the pear is that most have access to good pears especially during the autumn months, and even through winter, supplies from other countries can provide one with excellent fruit.

Some confusion exists about when to eat pears that are purchased unripe. Usually one picks pears unripe, since if they are allowed to ripen on the tree their center becomes mushy and unpleasant. Generally unripe pears are placed in paper bags for a few days to a few weeks in order to promote ripening from the inside out. When the pear appears to yield to moderate pressure from the fingertips, it is ripe and ready to eat.