Pear

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Pear

Sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties;  Old World tree having sweet gritty-textured juicy fruit; widely cultivated in many varieties.

Pear

A ripe pear

A pear is a delicious and nutritious fruit that belongs to the Pyrus genus in the family Rosaceae. It is known for its sweet and juicy flesh, which is enjoyed by people around the world. Pears are native to Europe and Asia and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile and popular fruit.

History

Pears have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. They were cultivated in ancient China as early as 2000 BC and were highly regarded by the Greeks and Romans. The fruit spread throughout Europe during the Roman Empire and became a staple in many European cultures.

Varieties

There are numerous varieties of pears, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular pear varieties include:

Bartlett (Pyrus communis): This is one of the most popular pear varieties, known for its bell-shaped fruit and sweet flavor. It is often used for eating fresh or canning.

Anjou (Pyrus communis): Anjou pears have a rounder shape and a slightly tangy flavor. They are versatile and can be eaten raw or used in cooking and baking.

Bosc (Pyrus communis): Bosc pears have a distinct elongated shape and a sweet, spicy flavor. They are often enjoyed fresh or used in desserts.

Asian pears (Pyrus pyrifolia): Also known as apple pears, Asian pears have a crisp texture and a sweet, juicy taste. They are typically eaten raw and are popular in Asian cuisine.

Cultivation

Pears are primarily grown in temperate regions around the world. They require a cool climate and well-drained soil to thrive. The trees are typically deciduous and can reach heights of up to 40 feet. They produce beautiful white flowers in the spring, which eventually develop into the fruit.

Uses

Pears are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be eaten fresh, sliced and added to salads, or cooked in both sweet and savory dishes. Pears can be used in jams, jellies, pies, tarts, and even beverages like pear juice and cider.

Nutritional Value

Pears are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Pears are also low in calories and contain no fat, making them a healthy snack option.

Health Benefits

Consuming pears can have several health benefits. The high fiber content in pears can aid in digestion and promote a healthy digestive system. Pears also contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

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Interesting facts about Pear

Other names: Green Pear Red Pear Brown/Bosc Pear Yellow-Green Pear   Pear  

• Are you aware that pears are a relative of the apple? (Pears can be substituted for apples in most recipes.)

• Are you aware that pears are an ancient fruit that has been cultivated for more than four thousand years?

• Are you aware that pears grow on trees?

• Are you aware that pears are picked before they are ripe?

• Are you aware that you can ripen pears by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature?

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Flowering Iberian pear

• Are you aware that most pears have a bell shape?

• Are you aware that pears are yellow-green, green, brown and red?

• Are you aware that pears have a white to pale yellow flesh?

• Are you aware that pears used to have a very gritty texture caused by cells in the flesh called stone cells? (In today’s pears most of the grittiness no longer exists.)

• Are you aware that ripe pears have a fragrant smell?

• Are you aware that pears are sweet?

• Are you aware that there’s no need to peel a pear? (Their tender skin is edible and a great source of fiber!)

• Are you aware that there are over four thousand varieties of pears?

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Parsnip & Pear Soup accented with Roasted Chestnuts

• Are you aware that the common pears seen in the supermarket are Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Forelle and Seckel?

• Are you aware that seckel pears are tiny and are also called “sugar pears”?

• Are you aware that pears are a snack filled with energy?

• Are you aware that pears are an excellent source of potassium? (Potassium is needed to maintain heartbeat, muscle contraction, nerve transmission and metabolism.)

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Pear cut up

• Are you aware that pears are also a source of vitamin C? (Vitamin C is needed by the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels, and aids in the absorption of iron.)

Nutritional information on Pear

NB:Carbohydrate, by difference(total carbs-fiber) is also called net carbs