Pears have a reputation for being tricky—but most of that comes down to timing, not difficulty. Unlike many fruits, pears are typically picked before they’re ripe and finish ripening after harvest.

The ripest, most nutritious pears have vibrant color, a little softness near the stem, and a rounded, heavy base. Richly colored pears pack more antioxidants—reds have anthocyanins for heart health, ...

If you haven't been fortunate enough to grow and care for a pear tree in your backyard, you might not know that the pear is a bit of an unusual fruit. European pear varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, and ...