Pomegranate period passes, people prepare for pear

Elvin Lin ’26

The holiday season is officially here, unless you’re from one of those families that puts out their Christmas decorations following the Fourth of July. For normal people, though, I’m sure the ever-dropping temperatures, shortening days, and 24/7 Christmas music have every student excited for winter break. While people are spending time with their families and busy studying for semester exams, I’ve instead been spending my valuable time alone in my room writing this Christmas article, accompanied by the fruit of the hour, of the week, the month: the pear. That’s right, December isn’t just a month of opening presents and tolerating Mariah Carey; it’s the season of all things pear. Seriously, pears thrive as one of the only fruits that can grow in December’s frigid temperatures. Unlike the exciting and bombastic flavors of more notable fruits like pineapples or lemons, pears can be a bit more subtle, like a reliable friend that you can always count on after a breakup. And perhaps this National Pear Month, you can find it in your heart to spend it with this humble fruit.

After an eventful November of rediscovering the consequences of consuming pomegranates for 30 days straight, I decided to move on from my relationship with the ruby reaper, going into December. While some might say that pears are too plain, they are substantially more diverse than you think. There’s the classic Bartlett, round and bright, perfect for snacking or tossing into a salad. The Bosc is firmer, with a cinnamon-brown skin and a flavor that makes it a good candidate for a fancy fruit bowl you’ll never touch. Then there’s the Comice, a plump jewel of honeyed velvet, yearning to pair with cheese. Each pear has its quirks, and discussing them with friends is a great way to lift the mood at any Christmas party.

Winter pears have a very mild sweetness that lands softly on the palate. They ease you into each bite with soft flesh and a gentle grain that feels like your mother’s warm embrace. And like a caring mother, pairs make sure you meet your daily fiber needs, providing a quarter of the recommended intake on average. Compared to a lot of fruits, pears are easier on the stomach because their fiber is gentle and water-rich, unlike…pomegranates.

Part of the charm of pears is how low-effort they are. Unlike a pomegranate, there is no need to cut, section, strain, and blend pears. Plus, they don’t threaten to stain your clothes or ruin your countertop. Instead, all you need is a knife, or nothing at all if you’re somehow lazier than me. If you are feeling fancy or are looking to impress dinner guests with your pear expertise, pairing them with some cheese could help spruce things up. After weeks of rigorous taste-testing, I can say pears pair particularly well with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, nuts, and a drizzle of honey. 

For those of us with even more time on our hands, poaching pears can be a delightful way to eat these curvy fruits. Start by peeling the fruit and leaving the stems on for absolutely no reason, then simmer them gently in a spiced liquid or wine. The goal is a slow, gentle heat, leaving you with a translucent and tender pear that looks straight out of a cookbook. With this gourmet technique, you may even be able to impress your visiting family during Christmas for once.

Those busy crunching for finals, however, can even skip chewing altogether. Pear juice has a mellow sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm your stomach. Blend ripe pears with water and strain the pulp if you want a smooth and velvety drink. You’ll get a glass of soft and palatable liquid that is best enjoyed cold. Not only does this drink provide vitamin C, copper, and potassium, but it also helps control your blood sugar, which my doctor has been begging me to do for years.

With the stress of the holidays, college letters, and final exams awaiting you in the merry month of December, remember to appreciate the simple yet comforting beauty, taste, and gentleness of pears. If pomegranates weren’t your type, pears might just be the “one true love” for you this winter. I sure know that I found what I was looking for in pears. As they say, the second time is the charm.

Oh wait, I was supposed to talk about Christmas…

“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,”

“A partridge in a pear tree.”