The red comice pear, scientifically known as Pyrus communis, is a European variety pear and a member of the Rosaceae or Rose family. A late season winter pear the red comice is popularly used in holiday gift baskets as a result of its exceptional flavor and attractive coloring.

The red comice pear is similar in appearance to the Green comice pear, having a shortened neck and round squatted body, where it differs is in its outer skin color. The thin skin of the red comice pear is a deep shade of red and encases a juicy cream colored flesh. Known as one of the best eating pears, the red comice pear offers a sweet aromatic flavor with spice-like undertones. When ripe the red comice pear will be slightly softened around its stem.

Serving Ideas

The tender, juicy flesh of the red comice pear does not hold up well when cooked making them ideal for use in fresh preparations. They can be utilized in both sweet and savory applications. Red comice pears are prized as being one of the best pears to eat out of hand. Their exceptionally sweet flesh is complemented by soft cheeses such as brie, blue and camembert as well as by clove, cinnamon, vanilla, burnt sugar, walnuts and herbs such as thyme and rosemary.

Geography/History

The comice pear first originated in France in the mid 1800’s where it was known as Doyenné Du Comice. It was first introduced in the United States in 1849 and soon after in 1960 a red sport of comice pear made its first appearance on a tree in Medford, Oregon. This first sport was yellow with red striping, a decade later the first all red sport appeared in the same region resulting in the creation of the red comice pear.

Seasons/Availability

Red comice pears are available in the early fall and throughout the winter months.