Pears

South African pears are mainly grown in the Western Cape. Areas including Elgin, Ceres and Wolseley are particularly well known for their pear production.

South African pears are in season from February to August. Some of the fantastic varieties to look out for during the season are:

Forelle - oblong or bell-shaped with a distinctive pink blush, it has a sweet and juicy flavour

Williams - yellow skin when ripe, with a fragrant, sweet and juicy taste

Packhams - often unevenly shaped, green-yellow when ripe with a soft textured flesh

South African pears are:

• A great source of Vitamin C (6mg per 100g)
• Low in fat and calories
• High in antioxidants which help to build your immune system
• A delicious source if Vitamin E and potassium

[Source: The Composition of Foods, sixth summary edition, by McCance and Widdowson]