When you open a box of Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears, you know you’ve unwrapped something extraordinary. These pears are beautiful, all perfectly packed and lined up, snuggled tight in their box. A presentation like this may resemble one in the produce section of your grocery store. These pears are sun-kissed with flawless skin and exceptional size. And every box has one wrapped in gold.

The tradition of wrapping pears in gold started back in 1934. When brothers Harry and David Rosenberg started sending residents on the East Coast delicious pears as holiday gifts, they knew an extra touch was needed to convey the royalty of this decadent fruit. So in each box, one pear was wrapped in shining gold foil, turning what may seem like a beautiful pear at first glance into a treat fit for a king (they are Royal Riviera Pears after all).

These buttery, juicy pears quickly became a holiday tradition for families across America. Even though the pears were sweet, succulent, and better than most found in a grocery store, it was that one gold pear that created a celebration in every household.


Pear Perfection - Pear Collection Banner ad

Some people go for the gold-wrapped one first, and some save it for last. There’s no wrong way of going about it, but ask around. Regardless of when you eat it, you’ll hear that it’s the best tasting pear in the box or that it will bring good luck to whoever opens and eats it. Over the years, we’ve heard every tradition you can imagine. One woman sent us a letter that fondly described her childhood Christmases when her grandfather would give each child a gold wrapped pear with a crisp $10 bill.

For over 85 years, Harry & David wrapped the pears in gold and delivered a special moment to families across the country. It’s one of our founders’ traditions we love the most, and we think they’d be happy to know it’s alive and well all these years later.

Author

Autumn Micketti is the SEO & Content Coordinator for 1-800-Flowers. When she's not writing about Oregold® Peaches or love songs, you can find her exploring mountains, listening to the latest album release of her current musical obsession, or spending time with her extended family.

6 Comments

  1. Avatar photo
    Dazzle Deal Reply

    Does anyone know why only one pear is wrapped in gold foil?

  2. Avatar photo

    We are nurses who work on Maternal Child Health and a doctors office sent us a box of golden pears. So our golden pear was missing and no one will admit to eating the golden pear. So we played a game of Clue and narrowed it down to one person, however she will not admit to eating the golden pear.

  3. Avatar photo
    Sooz Hudson Reply

    I grew up as an American child in Italy. Most of those who did that (and there were enough to fill 3 high schools in Rome) became very enamored with the country for its beautiful music, fabulous art works, acute sense of fashion, to-die-for ceramics, blown glass, jewelry, and (of course) the leather goods. As great as all of that was, I’m sure my buddies will all agree – the FOOD is where we were spoiled rotten! Who wouldn’t go nuts over all the fresh fruits available on a daily. To this day, I have never had a Blood Orange as those were from Spain. American fruit just isn’t the same. After returning to the U.S. and trying several pears (Bosc, Anjou, and countless others) I have found that your Royal Riviera pears are the only ones I’ll eat. Thank you for your “deliciousness”! The juice just runs down your arm! I LOVE them!!

  4. Avatar photo
    Dan Shaw e Reply

    The pear wrapped in gold foil will ripen sooner, so enjoy that pear first!

  5. Avatar photo

    I remember, many years ago when I was a small child, my parents received a Harry and David big box of goodies from my grandparents. It was absolute TABOO to ever open a gift early, so they didn’t. Christmas morning came, we opened the box and they had waited too long and all of the pears had started to rot. Then, as now, I didn’t care much about the other goodies in the box, but I was heartbroken over not getting to eat those wonderful pears.
    That memory has so colored my world that if I get a gift or card early, I always open it immediately. At least I blame it on that event!
    Best pears ever! Thanks for many years of memories.

Write A Comment

Save