Pears

The pear, a widely recognized temperate fruit, has been popular throughout both Eastern and Western history. The genus Pyrus includes about 20 species. Pears were first mentioned in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, dating back to the 9th century BC. Europeans have a preference for soft-fleshed “pyriform” pears, while Asian varieties are round and crisp. Despite their differences, both types are delectable in their own right.