Some products at the Cambridge Farmers' Market are only available during certain seasons because different crops grow at different times of the year. Below is a list of what's in season each month. Please note these are approximate dates and may vary according to local weather.
Be sure to check out our feature item each month for food tips and recipes.
September: Pears
What to look for when buying/picking:
Pears ripen from the inside out, so you can't judge their ripeness by looking at the skin. To test if a pear is ripe, apply gentle pressure near the stem end. If it gives slightly, it's most likely ready to be eaten. Pears are one of the few fruits that don't ripen successfully on the tree and commonly need time to ripen on the counter before being consumed.
What to Avoid:
Some common traits of bad pears are multiple brown bruises or blemishes on the skin. If you touch the pear and your thumb pierces the skin, that's not a good sign. Sometimes, you won't know the pear is bad until cutting it open and finding the centre very soft and brown.
How is it Grown?
Pears typically produce the first fruits three years after planting, although they won't produce a full crop for five to seven years.Once pear trees become established and begins producing fruit harvest can be expected within 115 to 165 days from full bloom.
Other Facts:
Towns with an abundance of pear trees often included the word Perry in the name of the town.
Pears are often recommended for weaning babies because they are low in acid and aren’t too harsh on a baby’s digestive system.
Pears are considered by some to be hypoallergenic because pear allergy is rare. However, people who are allergic to Alder or Birch pollen may be allergic to pears as well.
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Year Round |
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Learn about the benefits of buying local.