The Amazing ApplePear

Today's post is basically a commerical for my newest obsession - the ApplePear (or Asian Pear, if you prefer).  Whether you're reading this post aloud or in your head, please do so in your best Julia Child voice.  This is how all posts/discussion concerning food should take place.  And thank you for your support.*

The Apple Pear is a relatively new fruit to most people, although they have been grown here since the Gold Rush days, when Chinese miners planted them in the foot hills of the Sierra Nevadas. For the most part, Apple Pear varieties are round in shape with white flesh giving them the appearance and texture similar to an apple. They have a refreshing pear flavor. Apple pears:

• are low in calories
• are high in fiber
• are a great source of vitamin C
• don't turn brown after slicing like typical apples.
• ripen on the tree
• will store for a month in your refrigerator crisper
• are Yum-O

(all information, except that Yum-0 part - that was all me, provided by Kingsburg Orchards - growers of approximately 60% of the US ApplePear crop.)

You can stop with the Julia voice now, it's becoming annoying.   

I tested the non-browning claim by packing them in my lunch - claim confirmed!** Their texture is somewhere between a good, crisp Delicious apple and a ripe pear.  They are a bit pricey, in my opinion, at over $2 each, but they are also huge - a quarter of an ApplePear is plenty for one serving.  And they taste delicious dipped in caramel - but then, what doesn't?

Not sure why I thought you needed this info, but there it is - do with it as you please.

*Bartles and James commercials from the 90's.

**Mythbusters