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Pears Nutrition: Health Benefits and
Nutritional Facts
Pears are closely related to apples, in fact
there are almost as many varieties, this isn't
always apparent as there are not many types of pears
widely available for sale as there are apples. The
common pear fruit which we are know best, such as
conference pears, take a wide shape at the bottom of
the fruit, narrowing at the top where the stem is
located. The phrase pear shaped is often used to
reflect body shapes and situations that are doomed
to go wrong! Some kinds of pears are shaped more
roundly making them appear a little more like the
apple fruit, however, their coloring is usually
paler than the apple.
Like apples, the flesh of
a pear surrounds its central core and pips. As you can see from the first picture
below, pears grow on trees. It's believed that as
many, or perhaps more than 5000 named varieties are
grown throughout the world. Pear skin bruises easily
so it's important to pick smooth, unblemished
varieties. The color of pears varies from shades
yellow, green, red and rustic. The flesh is white,
if the pear is ripe, it the flesh shouldn't be too
firm or hard - when the flesh begins to soften, the
pear will be far sweeter, juicier and aromatic. This
delicious fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Please
see further down the page for preparing, serving and
cooking suggestions for pears. There are so many ways to enjoy
the benefits of pears, this wonderful fruit can be
baked, pouched, grilled, microwaved and even dried.
The history of pears dates back centuries when they
first appeared growing wild in Europe and Asia - the
fruit was favored by the Romans and ancient
Phoenicians.
Pears Nutrition: Varieties of Pears
There are around 5000 types of
pears grown across the world, despite the fact that many
kinds remain
unknown to us as we are limited to the varieties
available in
our shops, markets or home grown varieties. Pears are
seasonal which means that specific types may
not be readily available in all countries, throughout
the year.
For more information, facts and a pear varieties list,
please refer to the
varieties of pears which covers the popular types
from different countries.
Pears Nutrition: Picking and Storing Pears
Take care when selecting this sort of
fruit as the skin can become damaged quite easily which
reduces its nutritional value and goodness. Therefore,
look for smooth, undamaged skin which isn't bruised or
marked in any way, other than how it should naturally
appear. Pears do not tend to keep well for very long so
try to eat them as soon as they become ripe, otherwise
they will soften and deteriorate very quickly. You can
check whether or not the pear is ripe by pressing the
stem so see how firm it is. It should be fairly firm but
you should be able to detect a little softness too. Once
the fruit has ripened, it can be stored in the
refrigerator to retain its freshness for a couple of
days.
Pears Nutrition: Cooking with Pears
The benefits of pears can be enjoyed
in many different ways these days. Pear juice is
available and tastes divine but at the same time
offering excellent healthy benefits due to its natural
vitamin and nutrient content. Canned pears are also
readily available, however, check what they type of
liquid they are canned in as syrup can be an unhealthy
option, try to select pears that are canned in natural
juice, sometimes you will find them with apple juice.
Pears and cheese make a wonderful
combination, serve with cheese such as Parmesan,
Roquefort, Stilton, Brie or Gorgonzola. This fruit makes
an excellent addition to salads as it will add more
nutritional value, texture and flavor. Brush the flesh
with a little lemon juice to prevent discoloring. If you
are cooking the pears, try to select ones that are not
quite fully ripened and peel away the skin first. Ideal
pear recipes include making tarts, trifles, compotes,
chutney, casserole and fritters. Pears go
particularly well with chicken as the contradictory tastes compliment
one another very well. This versatile fruit
can be poached, baked, grilled, sauteed, pureed, juiced
and dried.
Poached Pears Nutrition: Instructions - Pears
Recipe
Poaching pears is a quick, simple but
delicious option which is excellent for deserts,
especially when served with ice cream. Please follow
these easy instructions on how to poach a pear:
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Peel four
pears.
-
Place pears in a pan.
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Pour 100g of
clear honey, 125ml apple juice and 1 cup of water
into the pan, covering the pears.
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Sprinkle 1 tsp
of ground ginger over the pears mixture and bring to the
boil.
-
Reduce the
heat, cover and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
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Allow pears to cool
before serving.
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(Please note
that pears can also be cored and halved before
poaching. Pears can also be poached in red wine
spiced with cinnamon which is an excellent pear
recipe for Christmas.)
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