by Denise Calaman

Created on: May 11, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2010

History & Health Benefits Pears

One of the best selling fruits in North America today is the pear. Its sweet, buttery taste, long storage life and nutritional value, makes it a popular fruit choice at the grocery store and farmers markets. Greek poet Homer is quoted as saying about the pear, "It is a gift, from the Gods." Over the past few years pears are growing in popularity, faster than any other fruit in the United States. A member of the rose family, the pear fruit's origins date back to the Middle East. It is one of the world's oldest cultivated fruits.

The early colonists brought the pear to the United States to plant in orchards of their first settlements in the eastern US. Today, California, Oregon and Washington grow the most pears. Other states exporting pears for the commercial market include: Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

 Health Benefits-

Pears are not only a juicy, sweet tasting treat, but they are also very nutritious, higher in fiber than apples and easier to digest. Because they are easy to digest and they are hypoallergenic, pears are often introduced to babies as their first fruit. Pectin, which is the fiber found in pears, helps to lower cholesterol, improves cardiovascular function and promotes intestinal health. Along with pectin, pears are a wonderful source of vitamin C and copper, which together, provide powerful anti-oxidant protection, helping to fight off disease and even some cancers by protecting the body from free radicals. Pears are also a wonderful source of vitamin B2, vitamin E, folic acid and potassium. Homeopathically, pear juice is used to reduce fevers and rid the throat of excess phlegm during a cold. Pear juice may also be used a mild laxative.

 Eating-

Pears are versatile and can be prepared and enjoyed many different ways, much like apples and peaches. Eating pears in their natural state is the most nutritious way to enjoy them. Pears can also be served baked in cobblers and dumplings. Many Europeans enjoy pears sliced over meat. With the increased production of pears more and more people worldwide will be introduced to the pear and start consuming this tasty little fruit. And with the world's growing demand for nutritious, economic foods and its versatility the pear's popularity will continue to grow worldwide for some time to come.

Learn more about this author, Denise Calaman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.