Pears

For J&M Farms, pears are a main export (in addition to cherries and wine grapes). Pears aren’t always one of the biggest crops we hear about coming out of SJC, but the science suggests it is an ideal location for pear harvests thanks to the hot summers and moist, well-drained soils. Pears routinely struggle most with spring frosts, so growing them in colder climates is a no-go.

Much like cherries, pear trees harvest early in California, which means the pears on your grocery store shelves and in nearby restaurants will be freshest in early July. Of course, sweet, juicy pears will be available later in the season, as well, they just aren’t likely coming from the farms next door.

Sweet Facts About Pears

There are more than 3,000 varieties of pears in the world.

Oregon and Washington grow the most pears, but it’s West Coast climates where they really thrive, making California a good home for the produce, too.

Pears are technically more closely related to roses than many other fruits.

Pears are often ripened off of the tree.

It’s not just the fruit that has a good use. Pear tree wood is routinely used in the creation of musical instruments.

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