Tag Archives: growing regions

A Simple Pear Crisp

Lynsey By on

Last week I made a trip to Hood River, in the heart of one of USA Pears’ four growing regions, for the Hood River County Fruit Loop Pear Celebration.  Although it was overcast, which prevented the spectacular views that you’ll see on a clear day, the orchards were loaded with the new season crop of USA Pears in every variety.  Harvest is a few weeks late this year, but lucky for me, I was still able to pick up fresh Bartlett and Starkrimson pears at the many fruit stands on the loop. With my bounty, I decided to make a pear crisp, one of my favorite ways to kick off autumn.  I combined several different recipes to come up with a crisp that’s just how I like it – feel free to experiment and make your own adjustments! A Simple Continue reading →

Spring is Slowly on its Way!

Lynsey By on

On one of the few sunny days we’ve had here in Oregon since about, October, I made the drive up the beautiful Columbia River Gorge for Hood River’s annual Blossom Festival.  It’s always fun to visit one of our USA Pear growing regions – in addition to the beautiful pear orchards that are near-and-dear to my heart, the scenery, mountains, and rivers in each region are absolutely gorgeous! Unfortunately, Mother Nature’s timing didn’t quite match up with that of the festival, but with a closer look, you’ll see that the buds are just beginning to bloom.  And while I’m content to enjoy spring and summer, I can’t help but also be anxious for the clear autumn days of harvest! Here’s a bonus photo to give you a better idea of what I mean when I say that USA Pear country is scenic: the majestic Continue reading →

Holiday Gift Baskets

Brittany By on

Christmas is just over two weeks away, and I still have family members to shop for! Recently, I’ve been thinking about giving something beautiful, simple, and well-received: a gift basket. In fact, fresh USA Pears are used in many holiday gift baskets, including these beauties from fellow pear lovers: Known for their extravagant gift towers and picture-perfect pears, Harry and David never disappoint. They’re located in the heart of Medford, Oregon, one of the main growing regions of USA Pears. Check out their bounty here. The Fruit Company: Their name and presentation may be simple, but their product will bowl you over. Every pear included in their watercolor gift boxes is grown in their own orchards in Hood River, Oregon. They have baskets for every holiday! Click here to see your options. Based in Wenatchee, Washington, Bountiful Fruit offers a variety of Continue reading →

Growing Regions: Medford

Brittany By on

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s time to take a look at the fourth of our growing regions, which is well known for producing the world’s favorite Christmas pear – the Comice. Welcome to Medford, Oregon! Medford is home to Harry and David headquarters, the company that sells the gift basket favorite, in addition to lots of up-and-coming Oregon wineries. The small Southern Oregon city is also in the neighborhood of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States! Visit the Medford area for stunning natural views, award-winning golf courses, and wet and wild adventure on the Rogue River. Click here to learn more! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

Pear Bowl 2010

Brittany By on

Last Friday, the Cashmere Bulldogs faced off against the Cascade Kodiaks of Leavenworth in the 40th annual Pear Bowl. The rivalry takes place in the heart of our pear growing regions in central Washington, where the teams are friendly, but the competition is fierce! Cashmere continued its winning streak this year, defeating the Kodiaks 35-6 and clinching the title for the fourth consecutive year. Bosco joined the team mascots and cheerleading squads to rally the crowds with fleece USA Pears hats and plush Pear Buddies. After the game, Leavenworth Echo Sports Editor Ian Dunn chose the Pear of the Game. This year, the Pear of the Game players were Cascade senior wide receiver Ethan Nash and Cashmere quarterback Tyler McNair. Congratulations! Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn

Celebrating Pear Blossoms!

Lynsey By on

Spring is here. If you couldn’t tell by the calendar or the weather (in my neck of the woods, we’re experiencing more than our fair share of April showers), Mother Nature is proving it with the blossoms that are popping up in front yards, gardens, and, of course, orchards! This weekend I had the pleasure of taking a quick day trip to Hood River, Oregon (part of our Mid-Colombia growing region) for the annual Blossom Festival. Although the skies were partly cloudy, temperatures were warm, and the small white blossoms made their debut in the orchards that will be full of our favorite fruit in just a few months. Similar events are taking place throughout the Pacific Northwest, home to the growing regions of USA Pears. Medford, Oregon hosted its Pear Blossom Run on April 10, and Leavenworth, Washington (in Continue reading →