Pears
Juicy and sweet, with a soft, buttery yet somewhat grainy texture, the white to cream-colored flesh of pears was once referred to as the "gift of the gods". Although the season for pears runs from August through October, there is a variety of pear available year-round because of the seasonal variations among the different varieties.
Choose pears that have unbroken skin. Pears should firm or yield slightly to the touch. Wash pears carefully in cool water before using. Use pears in stuffing for pork and poultry, or in fruit salad. Use sliced pears to garnish an entree. Softer pears are good for snacking while a firmer pear can be used in baking and cooking. An overripe pear can be used as the base for a blended drink. A slightly underripe pear is perfect for poaching or baking.
To help sliced pears retain their color, dip them into a mixture of one tablespoon lemon juice and one cup water.
Most pears are not ready to eat when purchased, but must ripen a few days at home. Store firm pears in a brown paper bag to ripen. Ripe pears can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Pears and Weightloss (?)
Pack your fruit bowl with pears if you want to lose weight, reports a study out of the University of Rio de Janeiro. In the study, which was published in the journal of Nutrition, women who ate three pears a day consumed fewer total daily calories and lost more weight than those who did not. Pears are rich in fiber (one pear packs 15 percent of your daily recommended amount), and thus, pears should help you feel full and keep you from over-eating.
Suggestion for adding pears to your diet: Eat a pear before a meal to help curb hunger. Ditch the peeler, though; most of the fruit's beneficial fiber is in the skin.
Nutritional Facts:
- Low fat
- Saturated fat-free
- Sodium-free
- Cholesterol-free
- A good source of fiber
- A good source of vitamin C
Serving Suggestions: Serve sliced pears with cheese for an elegant dessert, or add slices to sandwiches or salads for a sweet, crisp kick. For cooking, it is best to choose pears that are a bit firm.
Are Pears Non-Allergenic?
Although not well documented in scientific research, pears are often recommended by healthcare practitioners as a hypoallergenic fruit that is less likely to produce an adverse response than other fruits. Particularly in the introduction of first fruits to infants, pear is often recommended as a safe way to start.
