Sometimes they are soft and other times crispy but they still taste just as good and sweet as they should be. They are high in nutrition and a perfect snack size for those who want an easy munch. To top it off, it also complements some cheese and meat in your dishes.
1. Forelle pear
They are the perfect snack size and it tastes sweet when you eat them. The skin typically comes in yellow and green shades but it will turn into a deep red colour when it becomes ripe so that’s something you can take note of.
Usage: Snack, cooking, garnish
Price: RM 10.90 (5pcs)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Packham pear
Packham pears are great for poaching and baking because they can withstand the heat while maintaining their flavour. They are quite juicy and sweet plus, they even have a creamy interior when they are ripe for consumption.
Usage: Salad, poaching, baking
Price: RM 10.40 (5pcs)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Ya Pear
There are many types of Asian pears and their texture varies from one another but they are very crunchy when you bite into them and become firm when they are ripe. Furthermore, it is a great source of Vitamin C and dietary fibre.
Usage: Salads, slaws, soup
Price: RM 4.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Fragrant pear
Following its name, it releases a strong fragrant scent when it is ripe and they are small in size compared to the other varieties. Despite that, they are still very crunchy, moist and filled with sweetness. You can even slice it into pieces and pair it with some sandwiches or desserts for their flavour.
Usage: Snack, baking, salad
Price: RM 2.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Singo pear
Singo pears have a round shape and their skin comes in a light brown and yellowish colour. Some will quickly notice that it is indeed sweet in flavour so that’s why they are commonly used as a sweetener for sauces. Even after getting harvested, they can remain crispy for a long time.
Usage: Sauces, marinade, garnish
Price: RM 2.79
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Century Pear
These are mildly sweet and tart but they have tons of juice and crispiness to them. It contains high nutrition like vitamin C and vitamin K including benefits that are good for cell growth and help ease any hangover symptoms.
Usage: Snack, salad, marinade
Price: RM 9.90 (5pcs)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Gong pear
With a crunchy texture and mildly sweet, it can also strengthen your immune system and help with coughs or constipation issues. On top of its nutritional benefits, it releases a fragrant aroma when it becomes ripe which makes eating it all the more comforting and a nice experience.
Usage: Baking, poaching, slaws
Price: RM 3.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Crown pear
The texture is crispy with a mixture of sweetness and slight acidity including juiciness that can quench your thirst. This pear can help lower blood pressure and help with one’s digestion. That being said, it is also high in dietary fibre and vitamin K.
Usage: Cooking, baking, salads
Price: RM 10.00 (5pcs)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Snow Pear
You might have seen these trees being used as ornamental trees in certain countries because of the beautiful colours that the leaves display with different seasons. The fruit itself tastes sweet and even better for snacking when chilled. It can help relieve cough and remove phlegm.
Usage: Soup, salad, beverage
Price: RM 3.80
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Conference Pear
Conference pears have a unique shape consisting of a narrow body and round bottom. They have a fine-grained texture but are equally soft and sweet for consumption. Additionally, their skin is usually seen in green with a few brown spots that will eventually turn into light yellow when they are ripe.
Usage: Roast, baking, poaching
Price: RM 26.30 (5pcs)
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
How to choose and use pears:
- Choose pears that feel firm with a touch and make sure they don’t have any bruises.
- Always remember to peel off their skin before cooking because the skin will harden when they are heated.
- Pears can ripe very quickly so remember to check from time to time if there is a texture that you prefer. Overripe pears can be quite mushy.
Overall, the flavour is slightly different with each type, and not every pear is suitable with the same method of cooking so it’s good to pay attention to that if you are planning to cook with pears. However, they still guarantee that nice crunch and juice if you just want to snack on one. If you are trying to store your pears for a later date, you can ripen or protect them from any bruises by wrapping them with paper and storing them at room temperature.
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
