Truly Sacramento

This is prime pear season, and nearly all California pears come from the Sacramento River Delta region. Bartletts and tan-skinned Bosc have been available for a month or so, but little Seckels and extra-sweet Comice are just getting harvested. Pears ripen best at room temperature, so don't refrigerate. Boscs make beautiful poached pears, while the petite Forelles and Comice are perfectly paired with cheeses. Slice ripe pears in half lengthwise and use a melon baller to scoop out the seeds and stem. Instead of apple pie, try making an aromatic pear-cardamom.