Every holiday season, you’ve seen them. In a sturdy wooden box with stuffing paper and ribbons, six perfect pears. Where did these fancy fruits come from, and why are they gifted year after year? Here is the history behind this pear present.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
A Brief History
The Harry and David brand was founded in 1934 by Harry and David Holmes in Medford, Oregon. They began by selling their premium Royal Riviera pears. These pears are known for their exceptional quality and flavor. They are grown in the Rogue River Valley, which has the perfect growing conditions to yield delicious fruit.
Royal Riviera pears are a large, juicy variety that are best eaten fresh. They are known for their “buttery” texture compared to normal pears from the grocery store.
They originally started by selling just pears, but they have grown their range to feature mixed gift baskets, flowers, bakery goods, and other fruits besides pears.
Why do these make great gifts?
Quality: They are delicious. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of pears, you’ll be blown away by the quality of the product. “Royal Riviera” is a trademarked variety that refers to the pears grown in Harry and David’s orchards.
Presentation: Harry and David gifts come expertly packaged with gold, ribbons, and wrapping. This is also a convenient option, since they do it all for you! Just order, write a personal note, and it’s shipped off.
Unique: Fruit is a super unique gift! I can’t say that I’ve ever received it, but I’d love to. If you’d gift someone a candle or fresh flowers, why not a box of pears?
Check out this Wicked themed gift guide.
Current Offerings
The classic pears: A box of The Favorite Royal Riviera Pears, with one wrapped in gold, will run you $39.99.
Deluxe Pears, Apples, and Cheese: This box contains four seasonal apples, six Royal Riveria pears, sharp white cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, and Rogue Creamery TouVelle cheese. If you don’t know about the delicacy that is cheese with fruit, you’re missing out.
Winter Citrus Trio: This box contains 6 HoneyBell oranges, 3 red grapefruit,and 5 naval oranges. This is a better gift for those who love citrus!
The Big Book of Christmas Cookies: This book-shaped box is adorable and contains 38 assorted cookies, including raspberry galettes and cranberry orange shortbreads.
Ultimate Charcuterie and Cheese Collection: This box contains an assortment of fine meats and cheese, all on a reusable cutting board!
This is just a brief overview; browse their website for all the options.
Check out this list of the best items Starbucks has on the menu this Christmas!
Tips about ripening
You’ll want to keep your pears in their box at room temperature until they’re ripe. How do you know they’re ripe? The flesh at the base of the stem should yield to gentle pressure. If it’s still hard, let it sit a little longer. A ripe pear should also be fragrant!
I hope this answered all your questions about the elusive Harry and David pears. From the pear tree to your home, these pears are worth the wait. Whether they are a considerate gift or a special treat for yourself, they will not let you down.
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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.
