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Pears on tree | ||||||||||||
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Pyrus communis Pyrus pyrifolia et al |
A pear are trees of the genus Pyrus and the edible fruit of that tree. The pear is an important fruit in temperate regions. Like the apple, the pear fruit is a pome. There are thousands of domesticated pear varieties. In tropical climes, the term pear refers to the avocado (Persea americana).
There are many species of pears. The most important for fruit production are Pyrus communis (European pear or simply pear) and Pyrus pyrifolia (Asian pear or apple pear). Other species are used as rootstocks for European and Asian pears and as ornamental trees.
Unlike most fruits, European pears do not ripen on the tree. They must be picked and, sometimes, subjected to cold, before they will become sweet and soft. They store well in their mature but unripe state if kept cold. Asian pears are sweet on the tree and are eaten crisp.
Pears are consumed fresh, canned, and as juice. Fermented pear juice is called perry.