Does it really matter? Is there that much difference in taste in pear varieties? Just eat them and enjoy. I think the common practice for most is to pick while green as soon as you see the first pear turn yellow on your tree. Then ripen them on the counter or put in the fridge first to hold them until you can eat or process them. For years I canned about 20 quarts a year from an unknown variety of pear tree that came with our first house by just setting the pears on the counter or on tables in the basement to ripen. I would pick them in batches every few days to avoid having them all ripen at once.I had never heard of putting them in the fridge first. Northwoodswis

Ok I'll bite... I don't understand what you are asking. You want to split the minimum order of 50 and I get that. But the folks that buy them need to be close enough to come and get them at your house? That is also a pretty cool thing, however, this is an international forum and the odds of having folks that close to you (and who happens to read your post) are pretty slim. Please elaborate. I might want to participate but could not drive to get them. thanks!

I have two old pear trees that I believe are Anjou. The taste is great - IF you pick them before they ripen on the tree. Anjous will go brown and mushy in the center if left on the tree to ripen. If you gently twist the fruit and it comes off, it's ready. Pick them the second they start to go from green to yellow and allow to ripen in the house - but not in fridge. Eat when still very firm. I've had LOTS of pears dropping off the tree for at least two weeks now. Maybe the hot summer has helped them ripen early this year.

Oh yes, haha.. I know how much the TV samples are. I have about 8 of them (and another 8 from SW)! In fact, I almost went to TV this morning-- but I decided to drink more coffee and check out a few other options first. I did try the wasabi (in fact, I spilled it all over the rug in the kitchen the other day!) and I really tried to make it work. I love it in the can.. love the swatch.. but on the wall, it turned my stomach lol. I think it was the bright light that turned it such an icky color. I think I'll sample the anjou pear and rattan. I am concerned that while not so intense that anjou pear will still be too much for an office. This isnt a must-do room so at least I can take my time to decide. Good luck with the family room-- look forward to the photos!