From the largest industrial food manufacturers to the smallest foodservice operations, one ingredient is emerging as a versatile, cost-efficient, nutritionally sound addition to thousands of applications: California Bartlett Pears. In addition to being used as a food flavoring and fruit ingredient, this sweet, highly adaptable fruit is proving its worth as a natural sweetener, fat replacement and bodying agent. California Bartlett Pears are used in a tremendous range of applications, including cereal, snacks, baked goods, dairy, desserts, beverages and more. California Bartlett Pears are available in a wide variety of forms, for easy inclusion into practically any food preparation program. From powdered to pureed, concentrate to canned, frozen to fresh, California Bartlett Pears are ready to lend natural sweetness and convenience to practically any formula!

Offering a shelf life of up to 12 months, these popular options are as efÞcient as they are flavorful. Dried pears are an ideal ingredient in muffins, cakes and cookies. Powdered Bartletts are often used in baking mixes, as a bodying agent, and as a fruit filler. Pear "nuggets" -- extruded fruit pieces -- are also perfect for a wide range of applications in cereal, baking and snacks.

A popular sweetener in foods containing no added sugar, pear juice is available in several forms depending on customer specifications. The juice may be pasteurized or frozen, filtered or unfiltered, yet always provides a consistently delicate flavor. Pear juice is available in a variety of strengths, from 12 brix to 70 brix and for use in snacks and beverages, baking and other applications where flavor and sweetness are desired.

Pureed California Bartlett Pears are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience, versatility and flavor. The pureed fruit is concentrated under heat and vacuum, then frozen or aeseptically packaged for extended shelf life. Several formulations are available at strengths of 12 brix to 50 brix. Bartlett puree is excellent for use in baking, beverages and dairy applications.