Wow! The First FRUIT SHARES are here and most of them gone–We had a generous container of red grapes, organic strawberries in the Half Shares, and gooseberries from Montana–Pink Lady apples, Clementine’s from Chile (California Cutie’s are out of season), purple plums, and limes for our citrus. We also had a special little pear called Forelle. My guess was that probably Forelle meant “little pear” in French–but I was way off base…
According to http://www.specialtyproduce.com, one of my favorite spots to find out about all kinds of fruits and veggies, the little pear first came from Germany and means ‘trout’ which refers to its coloring.
Here’s what else it said:
Forelle pears are a petit, bell shaped pear with yellow skin that is dotted with crimson red freckles (known as lenticles) signaling the pears’ maturity. Only ripe Forelle pears will possess qualities that highlight the pears best virtues. Ripe Forelle pears are fragrant, their flesh, crisp and firm yet juicy, with flavors bright and candy sweet.
The Forelle pear’s size doesn’t make it a choice fruit for large recipes such as pies, and their flavors are truly best showcased in fresh eating form. They are a perfect lunchbox snack, great as an accompaniment in winter salads and can easily be used as a fresh garnish for savory soups. Forelle pears are a great companion ingredient to aged cheeses such as gorgonzola, camembert, gouda, and manchego, pork belly, prosciutto, dried berries, figs and nuts such as hazelnuts and pistachios. The pear’s sweetness is the perfect compliment to semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate. Consider using the Forelle pear as a chocolate fondue item. Forelle pears should never be refrigerated as they will only ripen at room temperature.
The Forelle pear was a chance seedling first cultivated in Saxony, Germany in 1670. The Forelle pear is among only two dozen cultivars of European pears that are cultivated worldwide. The European pears require winter chilling to produce fruit. Without frost generally trees will not produce crops. The Forelle was introduced into America by German immigrants in the 1800’s. It is grown in the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Washington. Forelle pears are picked when they are mature but not fully ripened. Fully ripened tree fruit will most likely drop from the tree, never making it to successful harvest.
There’s your lesson for today—Forelle Pears!
Have fun and see all you Thermopolis members and Worland members A-C for the FIRST VEGGIE PICKUP today, Tuesday, July 23rd, 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
The Farmer’s Excited Wife
Posted by Suzi Richards on July 23, 2013 at 2:11 pm
The pears and strawberries are AWESOME!! Now I’m getting excited!!! Love summer!!
Thank you for all your hard work
Sent from my iPhone Suzi http://www.suzirichards.com
Posted by Regina on July 23, 2013 at 6:21 am
Very good fruit… snacked all the way home. Thanks to you the farmer and all the helpers!
I am blessed to have this healthy opportunity for my family!
Posted by lloydcraftfarms on July 23, 2013 at 1:37 pm
And we are BLESSED to have you! 🙂