Video: Pear Lovers Across the Globe Celebrate the Pears Grown in the United States

Fresh from the Pacific Northwest, America's pears are prized around the world

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Hailed as a "gift of the gods" by the Greek poet Homer in "The Odyssey," the venerable pear has graced diverse civilizations for more than four thousand years. Today, the U.S. is the third largest pear-producing country in the world, and many Americans are not aware that more than 55 countries look to our nation for our renowned hand-picked pears.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/pearbureau/35810/

Home to 84 percent of the U.S. fresh pear crop, the orchards ofOregon andWashington in particular allow heirloom varieties of pears to flourish to perfection in their pastoral terrain. This delectable fruit is sold around the world under the USA Pears label and is highly regarded as a premium quality pear.

A variety of pear to suit every nation

Ten principal pear varieties are grown inOregon andWashington, each with its own color, flavor and texture. With such diversity, there is a USA Pear to suit any nation's taste.

    --  In Asia, red pears are prized for their beautiful crimson color, which
        symbolizes prosperity and luck. They are often used for celebratory
        offerings and gift-giving in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, and
        Indonesia.
    --  Brazilians prefer sweet and juicy fruit, and desire the Bartlett pear
        for its signature flavor, aroma, natural sweetness, and abundant juice.
    --  In Russia, where consumers increasingly seek a healthier lifestyle,
        demand for USA Pears is also increasing. Russia has emerged as a top
        export market that favors Bosc pears, red pears, and Bartletts.
    --  Anjou pears are popular in Mexico and Central America as an all-purpose
        variety that is delicious both when slightly under ripe, sweet-tart, and
        crisp, and also when fully ripe, sweet and succulent.

A tale of two chefs - pears in authentic Indian cuisine

Complex and distinct in flavor, pears fit restaurant menus for every type of ethnic cuisine and in every course from drinks to desserts. Their harmony with contemporary Indian cuisine provides a perfect example of the pear's culinary versatility.

India's Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, restaurateur, cookbook author, and host of television cooking show Khana Khazana, says there's a reason that USA Pears are found in such great quantity inIndia. He enthuses, "when I eat them, I feel a relishing and sweet experience that's out of this world!" Kapoor has spotlighted USA Pears on his program in beverages, salads, and entrees using classic Indian techniques.

Almost literally on the other side of the world, in the heart of pear country, Chef David Anderson ofPortland, Oregon's premier Indian restaurant, Vindalho, adds, "pears can be infused with a multitude of vibrant spices, like cardamom, turmeric and cayenne, yet they retain their distinct flavor." Anderson enjoys integrating fresh pears into traditional recipes like his signature Pear Ginger Chutney.

Pears hold a place of honor

InMexico, pears hold a unique place of distinction in home decorating. Pear floral arrangements and displays adorn homes during the winter holiday season. Mexican superstores like Wal-Mart and Soriana host seminars that teach guests how to create their own festive pear decor.

At home in the U.S., the USDA has declared December as National Pear Month. Recognized for their value to the economy, their nutritional importance to families, and their array of global culinary uses, USA Pears and the farmers who grow them are deserving of such an honor.

Oregon andWashington's pear growers are clearly committed to providing the world with premium quality pears. As stewards of the land, they tend their naturally prime landscape, where moisture from meandering rivers and glacial snowmelt feeds the region's nutrient-rich volcanic soil to make the perfect foundation for pear tree nourishment. With this ideal growing environment, it's no wonder their sublime pears are prized around the world.

For more information visit www.usapears.org. For recipes from top chefs, visit www.PearPanache.com.

Pear Bureau Northwest is a nonprofit marketing organization established in 1931 to promote the fresh USA Pears grown inWashington andOregon. The Bureau represents over 1,600 growers who grow 84% of the nation's fresh pear crop, and develops national and international markets for Northwest pear distribution.

Media Contact:

    Cristie Mather, Communications Manager
    Pear Bureau Northwest
    cmather@usapears.com
    (503) 652-9720

SOURCE Pear Bureau Northwest

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