Why is a pear green?

A pear isn't always green! It can be green, yellow, red, or even brown depending on the variety. Here's why the color can vary:

* Pigments: Like many fruits, pears have pigments called chlorophyll (green), carotenoids (yellow, orange, red), and anthocyanins (red, purple, blue). The proportions of these pigments determine the pear's color.

* Variety: Different pear varieties have different combinations of pigments and therefore different colors. Some common examples:

* Green pears: Anjou, Bosc, Comice

* Yellow pears: Bartlett, Seckel

* Red pears: Red Anjou, Red Bartlett, Starkrimson

* Ripeness: As pears ripen, their color can change. Green pears may turn yellow, while red pears may become more vibrant.

* Sun Exposure: Pears exposed to more sunlight will have more vibrant color due to increased pigment production.

So, while many pears are green, it's just one of many possibilities! The color of a pear depends on a combination of factors.