Bartlett Pear

**Bartlett pears are picked at their peak maturity, but they don’t fully ripen on the tree.  In order to get that sweet, juiciness Bartlett pears are famous for, they need to be held at room temperature for a few days.

Here’s How:

Bartlett pears ripen much like a banana going from green to yellow when they are fully ripe. A green Bartlett pear will get soft and juicy if left to sit on the counter for a day or two.

• Origin: The variety originated in England in the 17th century and was known as the Williams pear. It became known as the Bartlett in the United States after Enoch Bartlett introduced it without realizing its true name.

• Harvest Time: Bartlett pears typically ripen and are ready for harvest in August and September, with their availability extending through the fall and winter months at grocery stores. Pears are harvested when mature but still firm and then ripen at room temperature. 

• Culinary Use: Fresh Eating: Its juicy texture and sweet flavor make it a favorite for eating raw. Canning & Preserves: The Bartlett pear is excellent for canning and making preserves.

Patriot Northern Highbush Blueberry

• Origin: Patriot is a very cold-hardy highbush blueberry variety. It was developed by the University of Maine and released in 1976.

• Ripening: The berries are large, sweet, dark-blue (often “slightly flat” in shape), with good firmness..Ripening happens mid-season (often July in many areas) with some intermittent harvesting.

Ka-Bluey Northern Highbush Blueberry

• Origin: Ka-Bluey originated from the University of Arkansas blueberry breeding program.

• Season: Ka-Bluey ripens in mid-season (typically July in much of the U.S. northern blueberry belt).

• Flavor: Often described as complex and sweet, with hints of peach, strawberry, and raspberry. Texture is crisp, and berries actually firm up when chilled in the refrigerator.