Meet the Green Anjou

Green Anjou (say it with us: ON-ju) is the pear with a personality all its own. Shaped like an egg with a round base and a gently tapered top, it’s easy to spot. Its skin shines a vibrant green, sometimes blushing with a rosy glow. Here’s the trick: unlike some pears, Anjous don’t give much away with color — they stay green even when perfectly ripe.

In Season-Late September


Harvest kicks off in the fall, with Anjous hitting produce aisles by late September. And here’s the best part: they stick around. These are your go-to pears all the way through summer, which is why chefs love them for their nearly year-round availability and endless versatility. Salads, pies, smoothies, roasts — Anjous are down for it all.

Ripening

Patience, pear lovers. Anjous ripen best at room temperature. Depending on how you bring them home, it may take 3–5 days before they’re ready. Once ripe, pop them in the fridge to keep them perfect for a few more days. And remember the golden rule: Check the Neck™. Gently press near the stem — if it gives a little, it’s go-time. Because pears ripen from the inside out, this top spot is your best clue. Wait for the bottom to soften, and you’ll overshoot the sweet spot. (Pro tip: if that happens, don’t toss it — blend it into a smoothie for instant pear-fection.)

Taste & Kitchen Magic

Juicy, refreshing, with a whisper of lemon-lime — the Anjou is the definition of an all-purpose pear. Eat it fresh out of hand, toss it into salads, roast it until caramelized, or bake it into your favorite desserts. Its dense flesh holds strong under heat, making it a star in both sweet and savory dishes