French Butter Pears
Inventory, 22 lbs : 0
This item was last sold on : 06/22/13
French butter pears are available during the fall and through the winter months.
French butter pears are a variety of European pear, known botanically as Pyrus communis. They are a relative of the D’Anjou pear. French butter pears are known in Europe as Buerré Hardy pears, Gellert's and Butterbirne. Before chefs began using French butter pears, bringing the culinary world’s attention to their creamy texture and juiciness, these smallish pears were used primarily for baby food production in the United States.
French butter pears are small to medium in size and have a globular shape with a short neck and a long, thick stem. The somewhat bulbous pear is known for having the distinct aroma of roses. Its green skin is often covered in russet and becomes slightly yellow when ripe. The French butter pear’s flesh is dense and smooth with a buttery, creamy consistency. These pears are also known for being sweet and very juicy.
French butter pears are ideal for fresh eating or a wide array of dessert applications. Slice French butter pears thinly and pair with Roquefort cheese or cut in half and serve with a piece of foie gras. The European pear is great for cooking and pairs well with both savory and sweet flavors. The complex flavors of the French butter pear stand up to baking. Juice or puree can be made into marinades. French butter pears keep well, up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
French butter pears were discovered around 1820 in Boulogne, France. At the time, produce was given two names; one for a characteristic of the fruit and the second, the name of the grower who discovered said fruit or the place of discovery. Therefore the French butter pear earned the name Beurre Hardy; “Beurre” for its buttery texture and Hardy after M. Hardy, the then Director of Arboriculture at the Luxembourg Gardens. French butter pears are too delicate for commercial production, so they are primarily grown and sold in local farmer’s markets.
Recipes that include French Butter Pears. One is easiest, three is harder.
|La Vie in English||Pear and Pine Nut Scones|
|Smitten Kitchen||Bittersweet Chocolate and Pear Cake|
|French Laundry at Home||Roquefort Trifle with French Butter Pear Relish|
|Raspberry Debacle||Poppyseed Pear Cake|
Someone spotted French Butter Pears using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
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???? City Shop
Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China
About 257 days ago, 6/17/14
Spotter's comments : French Butter Pears spotted at ???? City Shop.