Pears: sweet consequences could come from picking the perfect pear. Here's how to ensure a succulent choice year-round.(FRESH PICKED)

"That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet ..."

Shakespeare may not have been referring to the pear in Romeo and Juliet, but he was right on the mark. As a member of the rose family--without the family name--the pear smells as sweet as a rose, and its taste is even sweeter.

Pears have a long history, having been first cultivated about 4,000 years ago. Today, there are more than 5,000 types of pears. In the United States, the most common varieties are Bartlett, Bosc, Comice and Anjou. While all four are loved for their sweet flavor and delightful aroma, each has a different place in the pear family tree.

* Bartlett pears (right), the most popular variety, are sweet and juicy. The two types--yellow-skinned (which is sometimes tinged with red) and dark red-skinned (which may become slightly lighter when ripe)--have a similar texture and taste.

* Bosc pears are reddish-brown, slightly longer and slimmer than most of their siblings. This firm, almost crunchy pear is highly aromatic and great for baking.

* Large and roundish, the Cornice is considered one of the best eating varieties. Some would say that it is the sweetest and most flavorful of all the pears, with a buttery smooth texture. It stands out with its thick yellow-green skin covered in patches of russet.

* Anjou pears are large and firm, making them great for baking. They are oval and are the most abundant of the winter pears. They come in green (which turns ...