The Difference Between Apples & Pears

As well as being the name of an old British Cockney rhyming slang phrase that means “stairs,” apples and pears are both fruits. They are a popular addition to kid’s lunchboxes, as they are easy to eat on the go, but can also be cooked. Both are from the Rosaceae family and are believed to originate in Asia.

Apples vary in color, from bright green to red skin, while their flesh is a pale cream color. They are round and vary in size; smaller varieties are usually sweeter. Pears are usually green, although sometimes they can have reddish or yellow hues. They are round at the bottom and narrow toward the top. Apples are firm, while pears are softer to the touch. Both fruits have a core containing seeds.

From sweet to a crisp flavor with a slight tartness, different varieties of apples taste differently. The sweetest types are Golden and Red Delicious. On the whole, they are refreshing and a little juicy. Pears are sweet and very juicy, but they lose their juiciness with time.

Apples are eaten raw, particularly the sweeter varieties. The more tart ones are often used in desserts; they can be boiled with sugar or baked. Apples that are past their best can also be turned into chutney. Pears are eaten raw too, and can also be stewed for desserts; their sweetness also makes them a good pairing for sharp flavors like blue cheese.

Apples are high in Vitamin C, fiber and polyphenols, which contain antioxidants, important for maintaining the immune system and protecting from heart disease. Pears are also good sources of Vitamin C and fiber, and also contain many minerals and amino acids, which aid muscle growth.