pears

Pears are one of the simplest fresh fruits to reach for when the goal is a soft, juicy snack with a mild flavor. By our assessment, their best trait is that balance of sweetness and gentle texture, which makes them easy to eat plain and easy to use in cooking or baking. The downside is equally plain: ripe pears bruise easily and can go from firm to over-soft in a narrow window, so they ask for a bit of attention. In practice they are a fruit that can be clean and satisfying or slightly fussy, depending on ripeness and variety. Compared with apples they are usually softer and less crisp, and that softer feel is exactly why some people prefer them while others do not.