Asian pears are very similar in shape and size to apples and are actually cousins to the pears that you might normally see in our stores. Asian Pears are usually round and firm to the touch when ripe. They reach the best quality when they are allowed to ripen on the tree and then picked like you would a peach or apple. They are crisp, juicy and slightly sweet overall with a slight tartness towards the core.   

The nutritional value is hard to deny with this pear. One medium sized pear has 50 calories, 4g of dietary fiber and 9g of sugar which makes this a perfect snack!  Asian pears are also known for keeping well. Store pears a week at room temperature or up to three months in the refrigerator.

The Shingo Asian Pear has just arrived from Korea so come by the Produce Department and try some of the best pears in Texas!

Roasted Pears with Strawberry Relish                                                                                                                                                   

1 16 oz can whole-berry cranberry sauce

2/3 cup whole strawberries, cut in half

1/2 cup toasted pecans

1 Tbsp. chopped crystallized ginger

1 tsp. grated orange zest

4 firm, ripe pears

1 Tbsp. melted butter

To make strawberry relish using a microwave, heat cranberry sauce in large Pyrex bowl for 2 minutes on high power, or heat in a saucepan over low heat until warm. Stir in strawberries, pecans, ginger and orange zest. Keep warm.

Peel pears and cut in half. With a spoon, scoop out seeds and enough flesh to make a large cavity. Place pears on baking sheet, cut side up and brush with butter. Turn pears over and brush with butter again. Place under broiler until pears start to brown; turn pears over with a spatula and broil cut side down until they start to brown. This is approximately 4 minutes on each side. 

Fill cavity of each pear with 1/4 cup of strawberry relish

Makes 8 servings