Q&A with Kareen – Cold climate pear varieties, pear preservation and what to do about codling moths

This week’s ‘Q&A with Kareen’ is all about pears. In the video, I answer Elizabeth’s questions about what pears I grow, an explanation about the kitchen tool I use the most for pear preservation, and what to do about codling moths. 

The pears in my food forest are one of the yields that I look most forward to in the fall. We have been lucky to have a prolific pear crop over the past several years. I grow Parker and Patten pears but there are several different varieties that are adapted to our climate. As I explain in the video, you can’t just plant one pear tree. Pears need a different variety for pollination. Here are a few pear ‘couples’ that work in a cold climate:

• Parker and Patten Pears
• Golden Spice and Ure Pears
• Summer Crisp and Parker Pears

There are, of course, many other varieties out there. As I explain in the video, just be sure to go to a local garden center or nursery that is going to sell varieties that do well in your climate.

In the video, I also share a kitchen tool, the mandolin, that is my go-to implement for dehydrating pears (my favorite way to preserve them). Lastly, even though I don’t have a huge codling moth issue with my pears, I share a strategy that I’m going to try this year.

Click on the video to hear more!