Think back to a recent memory of eating a pear. Chances are texture may be one of the more salient aspects of that memory. If so, there’s a tiny reason pear texture may stand out for you. Pears are unique in the fruit world because they are one of few fruits that have cells in their flesh that are otherwise only found in hard, sometimes inedible parts of plants. These tough cells, known as stone cells, give pears their unique gritty texture. Why cells that are usually reserved for walnut shells, cherry pits, and coconuts decided to set up shop within the pear’s flesh is anyone’s guess.