Pears are a mild, sweet fruit with a fibrous center. They are rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber and pack all of these nutrients in a fat-free, cholesterol-free, 100-calorie package.
How to Choose Pears
- Pears ripen from the inside out, so choose firm, plump pears with undamaged skin.
- Look for fresh pears without bruises or cuts.
- Skin color is not a good indicator of ripeness because the color of some varieties does not change as the fruit ripens.
- Firm, but yielding slightly at the stalk end, with the stalk still attached.
Benefits of Pears
Pears, very high water content, they are good diuretics and aid in the removal of toxins.
Insouble Fiber; binds with the fatty acids in our systems, assisting digestion. It is the only component known to reduce LDL cholesterol, a factor in the risk of heart disease. Sources are flaxseeds, oats, apples, pears, dried beans and carrots.
How to Store and Ripe Pears
The type of fruit, and how ripe it is when you buy it, determines how long it can be kept Some fruit, such as apples, pears, and oranges, ripen relatively slowly. Place the firm pears in a paper bag or a loosely covered bowl. Let them stand at room temperature for a few days. Pears are ripe when they yield to gentle pressure at the stem end.
How to Eat Pears
Suggestions: Raw; fresh pear juice (from the extractor); poached pear with vanilla yogurt topping; pear-apple compote (these 2 last recipes are very digestive).
Many ingredients complement fruit a sprinkling of sugar brings out the best flavor, while a squeeze of lemon juice adds a pleasant tartness, with the added benefit of preventing fruit such as peaches and pears from discoloring.
Cheeses made from goat’s or sheep’s milk can be mild and creamy or strong and tangy. They go well with pears, grapes, peaches and figs as well as strawberries and blackberries.
Cold Desserts with Pear:
- Pear and Redcurrant Compote: blackcurrant liqueur and redcurrants add punch to poached pears.
- Poires Belle Hélène: poached pears and homemade vanilla ice cream are coated with rich chocolate sauce.
- Poached Pear Fans with Chocolate Sauce: stylish presentation of pears in a pool of cream and chocolate sauce.
Pies, Tarts, and Pastries:
- Normandy Pear Tart: a pretty flower-shaped design of pear slices adorns this regional French tart, filled with almond cream.
- Normandy Peach Tart: fresh peaches take the place of pears, with a jam glaze.
- Caramelized Upside-Down Pear Tart: juice from pear halves combines with caramel to make a delicious topping.
Spiced Pears Recipe (low Fat)
Tips and Notes
Other fruit, such as pears and apples, need only to be peeled with a vegetable peeler before being cut into halves and/or slices.
Nutrients and Calories
Pears; are high in iodine, important for the thyroid function, and contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B9 and beta-carotene.
Pear nutrition facts: Calories: 37.5 kcal, Carbohydrate: 9.13 g, Protein: 0.28 g, Fat: 0.1 g, Fiber: 1.38 g