Harry and David Pears Review: My Honest Opinion (From a Picky Pear Eater)

Hey there! It‘s your favorite fashionista and foodie back with another brand review. Today, we‘re talking about the famous Harry and David pears. I know, I know – pears might not seem like the most glamorous or trendy fruit, but trust me, these are no ordinary pears.

I first discovered Harry and David when a good friend sent me one of their signature Tower of Treats as a holiday gift a few years back. The tower was stacked high with gourmet goodies, but what really caught my eye (and my taste buds) were the beautiful, fragrant Royal Riviera pears.

I‘ll be honest, I‘m kind of a pear snob. I‘ve always found most store bought pears to be gritty, flavorless, and underwhelming. But biting into one of those Harry and David pears was a whole different experience. Smooth, buttery, and intensely sweet – I was hooked. I just had to learn more about the company behind this perfect pear.

About Harry and David

Turns out, Harry and David has quite the rich history. The company started way back in 1910 when a Seattle hotelier named Samuel Rosenberg traded his luxurious Hotel Sorrento for 240 acres of pear orchards in Southern Oregon‘s Rogue River Valley. Talk about a career change!

Samuel‘s sons, Harry and David, spent their childhood learning the family business of farming pears. The brothers had an innovative idea to market their exclusive Royal Riviera pears as corporate gifts to bigwigs in New York and San Francisco. The pears were a smash hit and a mail-order business was born.

Fast forward several decades, and Harry and David has become America‘s premier choice for gourmet food gifts, but their signature pears remain the shining star of the company. The company hand picks and ships their pears at peak ripeness so lucky recipients can experience the magic of a perfect pear.

Harry and David Pears: What Makes Them Special

So what is it about Harry and David pears that makes them so much better than the rest? First off, Harry and David exclusively grows their own special varieties like Royal Riviera pears that you won‘t find in any grocery store. No settling for common Bartlett or Anjou here.

The company also has meticulous growing standards and only harvests their pears at peak ripeness and sweetness. The pears are all hand-picked and sorted for size, color, and quality so that only the most beautiful and delicious specimens are sent to customers. With all that TLC, you know you‘re in for a pear experience like no other.

My Experience & Taste Test

Over the years, I‘ve had the pleasure of trying almost every variety of Harry and David pears. Each one is delightful in its own way but my personal favorite is the classic Royal Riviera.

It‘s hard to overstate just how incredible these pears are. Biting into one is a transcendent experience. The skin is delicate, smooth, and almost buttery in texture. And the flavor! Lusciously sweet, melt-in-your-mouth juicy, with none of the grittiness or bland mealiness of typical pears.

Trust me, I know how bougie it sounds to wax poetic about a fruit but these pears are just that good. It‘s like the difference between a cheap, waxy chocolate Santa and a luscious, silky piece of Godiva – there‘s just no comparison.

I also love the presentation of Harry and David‘s pears and gifts. The pears come carefully packaged and cushioned in beautiful boxes, arriving at your doorstep ready to enjoy. It feels so luxurious and special to open a box and find these perfect, precious pears inside. Some of the combo gift boxes, like the Pears and Cheese, are especially gorgeous and make a real "wow" impression as a gift.

What Other Customers Are Saying

I‘m definitely not alone in my love for Harry and David pears. The company consistently receives rave reviews from customers. Just check out some of these quotes from consumer reviews:

"The BEST pears on the planet. The first bite into these pears is sheer heaven." – Mary S., Yelp

"Harry & David pears are THE gold standard by which all other pears are judged. The beautiful, sweet, juicy, aromatic pears are absolutely delectable." – Cathy H., Trustpilot

"The pears that I have purchased from Harry and David are far and away the most delicious pears I have ever eaten. They are always fresh, sweet, and worth every penny." – Joanne M., Influenster

Numbers-wise, the pears are crazy popular too. In 2021, Harry and David sold over 8 million Royal Riviera pears. 8 MILLION of just this one variety! That‘s not even counting their other popular types like the juicy red Anjou and the crisp, fragrant Bosc.

Pricing & Value

Now, I know you might experience a bit of sticker shock when you see the prices of Harry and David pears. A box of approximately 6-9 pears typically costs in the $30-40 range, which can seem steep compared to pears at the grocery store often being under a dollar per pound.

But here‘s the thing – you absolutely get what you pay for with Harry and David. The quality and flavor is unparalleled. It‘s like comparing a fast fashion shirt to a designer piece. Yes, the price is higher but the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and premium materials make it worth the cost for those who value quality.

Personally, I‘m happy to shell out more for Harry and David pears because I know I‘m getting the best of the best. They make a wonderful treat to savor yourself and feel like an especially thoughtful and impressive gift.

Some other perks that add to the value:

• Harry and David offers free shipping if you sign up for their Celebrations Passport membership.
• They have a rock solid "guarantee of satisfaction" and will replace or refund your order if you‘re not happy for any reason.
• The pears can last 1-2 weeks if stored properly, so you can extend your enjoyment.

Pear Gifting & Unboxing Experience

I have to rave about Harry and David pears as a gift as well. In this age of generic gift cards and uninspired presents, receiving a gift of premium, hand-picked pears feels so personal, thoughtful, and indulgent. You‘re giving someone the gift of a joyful, multi-sensory eating experience.

Every time I‘ve sent a box of Harry and David pears (or a combo gift with pears and other goodies) to friends and family, they‘ve been absolutely thrilled and impressed. Some of the reactions:

"OMG, I‘ve never tasted pears this good. I didn‘t know fruit could taste like this! Thank you, I‘m obsessed!"

"I can‘t get over how beautiful and perfect these pears are. They look like something out of a magazine. What a lovely surprise to receive such a special gift."

"You‘ve officially ruined grocery store pears for me, haha! But seriously, these are divine and such a thoughtful present."

The appreciation from gift recipients is so rewarding. It really shows that edible/perishable gifts can be meaningful and memorable!

Another reason Harry and David pears make excellent gifts is the presentation. Items are packaged with such care and detail – tissue paper, ribbons, sleek boxes. It genuinely feels like opening a present.

I also appreciate the branding and unboxing experience. As a fashionista, I love when companies put thought into the aesthetic and experience of receiving their product, and Harry and David does this so well. Their website is clean and easy to navigate and their packages spark joy and feel high-end.

Ideas to Enjoy

While Harry and David pears are absolute perfection on their own, here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy and serve them:

• Slice and serve with cheese and cured meats as part of a charcuterie board (the pears are the STAR, of course!)
• Bake into a classic French pear tart and serve with vanilla ice cream
• Poach the pears in red wine and spices for an elegant, warming dessert
• Dice and add to oatmeal or overnight oats for a sweet burst of flavor
• Wrap slices in prosciutto for a simple, posh appetizer
• Blend into a pear smoothie with banana, spinach, and almond milk
• Freeze and add to sangria for a fruity ice cube

Final Verdict

Now, it‘s time for the big question: are Harry and David pears worth it? My honest opinion? A resounding YES. Here‘s my rapid-fire pro/con list:

Pros:
✔ Unbelievably fresh, sweet, buttery pears like no others
✔ Special varieties you can‘t find in stores (Royal Riviera for the win!)
✔ Perfectly ripe every time thanks to careful growing/harvesting practices
✔ Beautiful presentation and packaging – feels special to receive
✔ Amazing reviews and customer experience
✔ Impressive, unique gift for any occasion
✔ Outstanding customer service and satisfaction guarantee

Cons:
✖ Far pricier than average store-bought pears (but you get what you pay for!)
✖ Can be cost-prohibitive to purchase extremely frequently
✖ May spoil you for all other pears!

In summary, splurging on Harry and David pears is 100% worthwhile as a special indulgence for yourself or a thoughtful gift to wow someone else. These perfect pears will redefine what you thought the humble fruit could taste like. Don‘t blame me if you become an insufferable pear snob afterwards!

Have you tried Harry and David pears yet? What did you think? I‘d love to hear about YOUR pear preferences and experiences in the comments!