BARTLETT: This bell-shaped summer pear turns yellow when ripe, often with a blush. Its white flesh is smooth, sweet, juicy and aromatic. Prized as a canning pear, it is also great for eating fresh or in desserts and salads.

ANJOU: A smooth, egg-shaped, light green pear, the Anjou does not change color when ripe. It is abundantly juicy with a milky but slightly spicy flavor. It ships well, keeps for long periods and is a favorite for eating fresh and in salads.

SECKEL: Green with a substantial dark red blush, the Seckel is the smallest of the pears. Its dense flesh is especially sweet and smooth, making it an excellent snacking pear for out-of-hand eating.

COMICE: Rounded and chubby, with green skin and blushed cheeks, the Comice is the sweetest and juiciest of all pears. It is considered the King of Fruits. A favorite for gift boxes and fruit baskets, it remains unmatched in eating quality.

FORELLE: Bell-shaped and small, the Forelle has brilliant red freckles that appear over bright yellow-green skin. Its white flesh yields abundant, sweet juice.

BOSC: This graceful long-necked pear has russet skin and tender, buttery flesh with natural fruit sugar. A favorite in cooking, it is excellent for baking, broiling and poaching; yet it is hard to beat fresh out of hand.

TAYLOR GOLD:This russeted Comice is creamy, juicy and very tender. Its flesh has an extraordinary rich, sweet, delicately perfumed flavor.

PACKHAM: A late-season pear, Packhams have bumpy, green skin. When fully ripe, it is juicy and sweet. Packham pears are excellent eaten out of hand, but are also suitable for cooking.

FRENCH BUTTER: The French Butter pear has a juicy, buttery flavor and only recently arrived on the market. The French Butter is commonly used in baby foods.

SUMMER GOLD: Summer Golds are excellent for cooking and baking pies and tarts.