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What Are Pears?

A pear is a small to medium-sized fruit that grows on trees and shrubs in Europe, Asia and North Africa. American pear farms are found in California, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania. Worldwide there are about 3,000 varieties of pears. Some are edible as fruit or juice, while others are cultivated as trees.

Health Benefits

Pears provide a healthy and nutritious snack. They satisfy a sweet tooth and are a superior alternative to candy. Pears are a low glycemic food with a rating of 30 for a medium sized pear.

• Nutritious source of vitamins and minerals
• Pears contain vitamins C, K, B6, and Potassium
• Helps to manage blood sugar
• High in fiber
• Lowers risk for Type 2 Diabetes
• Low glycemic
• Improves digestive health
• Lowers inflammation
• Antioxidants
• Promotes heart health
• Lowers risk of stroke

How To Prepare

Pears have a core that contains seeds. Remove the core and wash before eating. Dry them using a paper towel.

• Eat the pear in your hand as you would an apple.
• Slice into rounds and eat with cheese and crackers.
• Remove the skin. Slice into rounds.
• Poach the pears.
• Bake pear pie or cake.
• Make a pear parfait with yogurt and granola.
• Use raw pears for juice.

Most Common Varieties of Edible Pears

Pears come in different shapes, colors, textures and flavors. It’s best to wait for pears to become soft and ripe before eating them. Placing pears in a paper bag and leaving them on the counter, will help to speed up the ripening process.

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