The Provo City School District's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is featuring two varieties of miniature pears and colorful mini sweet peppers this week, according to a November 2 report.
Students will have the opportunity to try Forelle pears, Seckel pears, and sweet peppers while learning more about each variety.
Forelle pears are small, bell-shaped fruits characterized by yellow skin with crimson-red freckles. They feature crisp, firm, and juicy flesh with a sweet flavor. Originally cultivated in Germany as early as 1670, Forelle pears were brought to America by German immigrants during the 1800s. Today, these pears are grown in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Washington and Oregon.
Seckel pears are another miniature variety known for a teardrop shape and olive-green skin with a reddish blush. Their creamy white flesh is exceptionally sweet, leading to the nickname "sugar pears." These pears were discovered growing wild in Pennsylvania in the early 1800s and can be eaten fresh or used for cooking and baking.
Mini sweet peppers, which come in red, yellow, and orange varieties, are also part of the weekly selection. While they look like hot peppers, they have a mild and sweet flavor. These nearly seedless peppers can be eaten raw or cooked.
Servings for the program this week include two miniature pears per serving, consisting of one of each variety, and two mini sweet peppers per serving.
Through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, participating schools aim to introduce students to various fruits and vegetables to encourage healthy eating habits and curiosity about fresh produce.
