Think of the pear, and your mind conjures an image of grace, sophistication and the ultimate in good taste. With its voluptuous contour, the pear is among the world's most alluring fruits. A teardrop shape and tender, golden skin surround a fine-grained, buttery-textured flesh with a juicy, sweet flavor and pleasant aroma.

Fresh pears alone make a flavorful snack or appetizer. They're also great tossed in salads, made into jelly, jam or preserves, used in desserts and other baked creations, blended into fruit drinks, and used in a creatively fresh approach to salsas or chutney.

What's more, California Bartlett pears provide a variety of nutrients, including important vitamins and minerals. One medium pear provides 16 percent of the daily requirement for dietary fiber (4 grams) and 10 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C. Fresh California Bartletts also contain a healthful source of potassium. They contain no cholesterol or sodium, and are virtually fat free.

Bartletts are the nation's leading pear variety and the golden state of California produces 60 percent of the total U.S. crop. The California Bartlett pear growing regions are divided into two districts relative to the timing of harvest - the Early District and the Late District.

The heart of the Early District orchards lie in the rich soils along the Sacramento River Delta, stretching north to the Upper Sacramento Valley. Harvest in the Late District begins in the north coast county of Mendocino and moves on to the shores of Clear Lake. Pears from this area are sometimes called "Mountain" Bartletts.

California Bartletts are normally harvested mid-July through mid-September, with two peak supply periods. However, because these pears store so well, the availability can extend into November.

Bringing the California Bartletts to your own preferred degree of ripeness is quite simple. The key: Always ripen the pears in a bowl at room temperature. Once they have reached your desired ripeness, you can place them in the refrigerator to slow any further ripening. Depending on their degree of ripeness, California Bartletts can hold in the refrigerator for almost a week.

When California Bartletts are green & firm, set them in a fruit bowl at room temperature for four to six days, and they will ripen on their own. (Until then, you'll want to avoid refrigerating them.)

When California Bartletts are "breaking," or turning from green to yellow and losing their firmness, leave them alone for a couple more days so they can ripen completely. But, If you prefer pears that are more firm, these are ready to eat.

When California Bartletts are golden yellow, they are ready to eat - fully ripe and at their juiciest and most flavorful stage. Remember to handle gently to avoid bruising.