Information about Fruits: Pears

About pears, information about the fruit, production, history and varieties in the world.

Pear

Italy is the leading producer. The U.S., China, Japan, Turkey, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa are also large producers. Many of the pear trees in Europe are in home gardens. In the U.S., Canada, and Australia, half of the commercial crop is used for canning. In France, Germany, and Switzerland large portions of their production is made into a fermented drink called "perry." A ripe pear should be soft and juicy. Unlike most fruit, pears are successfully ripened indoors. Pears are also dried.