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THIS WEEK’S FRUIT

Shinko Asian Pears
Asian pears are also known as “apple pears” as they’re often described as having the texture and shape of the apple but with the smooth sweetness of a pear. Botanically, they’re true pears and are native to China and Japan. The Shinko’s skin is bronze with brown russeting and its juicy, creamy white flesh has a subtly rich flavor. One of the last pears to pick, it comes off the tree with a
butterscotch note to its sweetness. Pears are great sources of Vitamin C which, fights free radicals. They are also an excellent source of fiber. Eat the skins! Research shows that the skins contain three to four times as many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory flavonoids as the flesh. Doctors also recommend pears for introducing babies to solid foods because they are low in acid and will be easier on babies tummies.

Warren Pears
The Warren is to our pears as the Cal Red is to our peaches and the Flavor King to our pluots. This is Frog Hollow Farm’s signature pear and for good reason. Too difficult to grow for most farmers to consider it’s never caught on commercially but Farmer Al has never shied away from putting the time and effort into a fruit that tastes so good. It has a classic European texture, very soft and juicy with a silky sweetness that avoids the typical grittiness found in most pears. Pears are great sources of Vitamin C which, fights free radicals. They are also an excellent source of fiber. Eat the skins! Research shows that the skins contain three to four times as many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory flavonoids as the flesh. Doctors also recommend pears for introducing babies to solid foods because they are low in acid and will be easier on babies tummies.

Pink Lady Apples
A cross between the Golden Delicious and Lady Williams, the Pink Lady is a crisp and juicy apple with a tart finish. A creamy white colored flesh that resists browning makes this an excellent apple for salads and slicing. Also a modern day favorite for eating out of hand. The apple a day adage may be spot on. Recent research has shown that apples are associated with lower risk of heart diseases and strokes. They are also an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin C.

Flame Seedless Grapes
Firm, large, and sweet the Flame Seedless are one of the most popular varieties in North America. Enjoy these out of hand or try them in green salads, chicken salads, or fruit salads. Another superfruit. Grapes are packed with a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol, which promotes a healthy heart.

A Note from Farmer Al

Dear CSA Members,

It was almost 20 years ago I first heard about the Warren Pear. They were being grown in a tiny nursery in Bolinas, The Living Tree Nursery. I bought a few trees and inter-planted them in an already existing Asian Pear Orchard. I’ll never forget the thrill I experienced when I picked the first pear from those early trees and ate it several days later.

Nowadays, with ten acres of trees full of Warren pears we do it differently. Pears will store very well and keep till Christmas if properly handled. First step….when to pick!?? The pear industry relies on a pressure gauge to determine the firmness of the fruit. I rely more on a refractometer, which measures the sugar content of the fruit. We wait to pick when the Brix reaches 16-18 degrees. This is when we know, from experience, that full sweetness and flavors have developed. We pack them into bins and Step Two, immediately put them into a cooler set at 32 degrees. This suspends the ripening process for months. We pack the fruit as needed for marketing purposes.

Step Three occurs at your house. After receiving the pears, store them at room temperature, checking them on a daily basis, using your index finger. When you can feel a slight give to gentle pressure around the stem, your pear is ready to eat. Once you master this third and most important process in ripening your pears, you will be delighted with the Warren Pear and its versatility in recipes for your family.