by Carolyn Tytler

Created on: May 12, 2008   Last Updated: June 16, 2008

Pears have been cultivated in China for at least 3000 years, and are believed to have spread east and west from there. There are records of pear orchards in Ancient Greece: the poet Homer ( circa 900-800 B.C.) referred to them as "a gift from the gods". Homer knew whereof he spoke; this fruit, which comes in many varieties, is a beneficial addition to any food plan.

Pears are flavorful and come in their own nutritious, edible package. Simply rinse under running water and enjoy! There is more levulose, the sweetest of the natural sugars, in pears than in any other fruit. No wonder they make a delicious snack! And, besides tasting good, this fruit is good for you.

One medium pear has about 100 calories and is a good source of fiber, vitamin C , potassium and folacin. It contains no sodium, no cholesterol, no saturated fat. It's a natural quick source of energy. Because of the high fiber content, this fruit makes you feel full faster, so it is helpful in weight-reduction regimens.

Unlike their cousins, the apple family, pears should not be allowed to ripen on the tree. They should be harvested when mature and allowed to ripen at room temperature. They improve in both taste and texture after being picked. The ripe fruit should be stored in the refrigerator. A ripe pear is quite firm, but will give a little when pressed gently.

Pears can be eaten fresh, canned, poached, dried or as juice. They can be used in jams, jellies, cakes, pies, tarts, crisps, dumplings, sherbet, and even pasta and main-course salads. Fermented pear juice, "perry", will be of interest to those who enjoy an alcoholic beverage.

Pears are the least allergenic of all fruits. For this reason, they are popular with allergy sufferers, and are often among the first solid foods introduced to infants.

Wood from the pear tree is one of the preferred materials for carving, for furniture construction, and for making high-quality woodwind instruments.

It well may be that Homer, on a chilly night in Athens long ago, warmed himself by a fragrant fire of pear logs , and mused that such a useful and versatile plant as the pear tree must indeed be "a gift of the gods" to humankind.

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