Starkrimson
Available as:
Stemilt & Artisan Organics
Facts of Interest: Discovered in Missouri in the early 1950’s as a branch of red pears on a tree that typically produced green pears, Starkrimson originated as a spontaneous mutation or “sport” variety. By 1956, this crimson-colored pear had been patented and propagated by Stark Brothers Nursery. Today, it is grown in abundance across the Northwest and is one of the first varieties off the tree in August.
Starkrimson pears have a juicy and sweet flavor profile with a floral essence. The striking red color makes it a perfect selection for both salads and fresh eating. It is also considered a good pair for strong cheeses, such as blue and goat cheese.
To tell if this particular pear is ripe, look for the color to turn from deep crimson to bright crimson red. The skin will also become more thin and delicate when ripe.
Characteristics
Appearance:
Crimson red in color, which brightens as it ripens
Texture & Firmness:
Moist and juicy with a smooth texture
Internal Character:
Pale off-white flesh
Flavor:
Juicy and sweet with a floral essence
Shape:
Thick, stocky stem with the neck appearing to grow up and around it
Size:
Medium to large
Uses:
Excellent for fresh eating and salads
Artisan Organics is Stemilt Growers’ banner for organic tree fruits. This label adorns all packaging and price look-up stickers on Stemilt’s organic apples, pears, cherries, and stone fruits.
We began major investments in organic tree fruit production back in 1989. That’s when Stemilt founder Tom Mathison launched his Responsible Choice program, urging growers and company managers to look for ways to conserve natural resources and reduce synthetic materials in all our growing and packing operations.
Since that year, Stemilt has become a national leader in organic tree fruit production and packing:
• Artisan Organics are grown with tree and soil balance in mind.
• Natural tree and soil balance encourages the orchards’ innate defenses, creating tastier fruit that needs no synthetic fertilizers.
• Artisan Organics are farmed 100% organically so there is no residue on the fruit.
• Artisan Organics come from modern orchards that use the latest growing and harvesting techniques.
Stemilt’s Artisan Organics are grown with extreme care. See and taste the difference that our natural farming methods produce.
Check out our Organic Leader page to learn how we grow and pack organic fruit and what makes Stemilt a standout in the organic field!
Stemilt grows pears in Washington’s Wenatchee River Valley, an area known ‘round the world for its ideal soil and climate for pears. Snow-capped, Alpine mountains rise behind the rolling hills blanketed with pear orchards. It’s here where the cooler temperatures of the Valley create the premium quality in Stemilt’s numerous delectable pear varieties.
Most pears are harvested green so when you take them home, you wait...and wait...until they ripen. But Stemilt’s pear conditioning program gets the ripening process started so you have ready-to-eat pears every time you shop. Look for Stemilt’s ripened pears in your favorite grocery store, and don’t forget to take home some Artisan Organics pears, too!