Of all the varieties of pears in the world, none are as sweet as the comice pear. Juicy and soft, the organic fruit is well suited for holiday season. In fact, the comice pear is most often given as a Christmas gift in organic fruit baskets. Due to its popularity, this variety of pear is considered to be the pinnacle of flavor from among the pear family. Despite its illustrious status, however, the comice pear only accounts for 1% of the world’s production.

The comice originated in France in 1849. During this period, the pear became well known for its sweetness and creamy texture as well as its softness. This set it apart from other varieties of pears and earned it a special place with French chefs who used the comice extensively in dessert recipes. While these pears are grown between March and August, they are most affiliated with the holiday season spanning November and December.

Comice pears are grown organically. Commercial farming of the fruit is frowned upon by the French government – an inclination that has spread to the U.S. The fruit became distinguished as Protected Geographical Indication fruit, which means the fruit can only be produced through organic farming methods. This is a common distinction among French growers who pride the quality of their fruit over quantity.

Like other organic fruits, the comice pear boasts of several health benefits. High in fiber, the pear can be used to help regulate the body’s digestive system and protect against colon cancer. The comice is high in sugar, however, and can cause complications with diabetes and other blood-sugar disorders.

Organic fruit is known to have higher levels of nutrients and is free from residues left by synthetic pesticides.