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DCL
Who doesn't love apples and pears? Then again, who doesn't love poetry? So, with that in mind, here goes nothing: You may not be aware as you eat that pear and bring apples into your home. I don't mean to be cute but there's a name for that fruit and believe it or not, it's a pome. Okay, I promise that's the last time, I'll deliver a rhyme (oops) or even try a lot of annoying alliteration.
One of the many great things about pears and apples is their nutritional continuity. There's no need to list vitamin and mineral content for each entry. I can sum it up before you even get to the mouth-watering list below: Pome fruits are low-fat, sodium-free, cholesterol-free, and a good source of both fiber and vitamin C. (Can you rhyme ingest-it-all with cholesterol?)
Of course, those flavorful apples and pears are best enjoyed raw or juiced but that certainly doesn't mean you can't write a haiku for your apple pie or pear-hazelnut crisp.
No matter how you choose to indulge, be sure to stay as local and organic as you can.
5 Apples Worthy of a Sonnet
The Red Delicious is the most widely grown variety of apple in the world. Contrary to popular belief, the Golden Delicious is actually a separate variety. I took poetic license to lump them together here.
In season: Red: September through December; Golden: September through November.
2. Fuji
The Fuji is a cross between two American apple varieties, the Red Delicious and old Virginia Ralls Genet. This apple is hugely popular in Japan and is fast becoming an American favorite, too.
In season: Late September and October.
3. Gala
If you were writing a poem about Gala apples, you'd have to use the words firm, crisp, and sweet. But you'd also have to find some rhymes for the usual dietary fiber and vitamin C.
In season: September through June.
4. Granny Smith
Named for its founder, Mrs. Mary Ann (Granny) Smith, this apple is light green and pleasantly tart.
In season: September through November.
5. McIntosh
Resisting all computer jokes, I'll just tell you this apple is known for its red and green skin, a tart flavor, and tender white flesh.
In season: January through June.
5 Pears That Don't Add Up to 10
1. Bartlett
The pear you're most likely to encounter, a Bartlett is light green but turns yellower as it ripens. Sweet with a distinctive aroma.
In season: July through December.
2. Bosc
Dark yellow with brownish splotches and firmer feel than the Bartlett.
In season: August through May.
3. Comice
Usually smaller and more round than the Bosc or Bartlett, its green-yellow coloring will be enhanced with the occasional red blush.
In season: August through March.
4. D'Anjou
Juicy and sweet with white flesh, this light green or red pear is a little larger than the others.
In season: Fall, winter, and spring.
5. Eldorado
Pale yellow when ripe, the Eldorado has not yet caught on as much as the other four varieties but its firm skin, perfectly pear-like shape, and mild taste may change that soon.
In season: Winter.
