by Melissa J Luther

Created on: May 13, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

The pear is a juicy, yellow, green or red fruit shaped much like a teardrop. When perfectly ripe it smells fresh and inviting and tastes even better; sweet and buttery.

History/Origin:

The pear is an ancient fruit with origins in China. Early European settlers brought the pear to the US in the 1700s and grew it in the eastern colonies, but it was wiped out by disease. The Pacific Northwest has a much better climate for growing pears, and this is where most of the US-grown pears originate today.

There are thousands of varieties of pear. Many are found in the wild, but many others are hybrids created by man. There are a lot of pears that are not even pear-shaped.

About a dozen varieties of pear are grown in the US, the most common being the Bartlett.

Taste and Uses:

Pears are sweet and juicy and ripen best at room temperature. Once ripe, they should be refrigerated for longer storage. Fresh pears are a delicious snack all by themselves, and they make wonderful additions to fruit salads or cheese plates.

Pears complement many meats, either as part of a stuffing or as a side, perhaps grilled. Baked or poached pears make tasty deserts. Pears can also replace a portion of the fat in cakes, breads and other desserts.

Health Benefits:

Pears are high in fiber (especially the skin), which is an important part of a healthy diet. Not only is fiber fat-free and calorie-free, but soluble fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes digestive tract regularity.

A large percentage of a pear's fiber is pectin, which is a type of soluble fiber that binds to fatty substances in the digestive tract. This promotes elimination of these fats, possibly helping to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Insoluble fiber promotes bowel regularity by absorbing water in the intestine. This creates a softer stool which passes through the intestines more quickly and easily. Many studies have shown that diets high in fiber (both soluble and insoluble) reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer.

Pears contain vitamin C, an important antioxidant. Vitamin C pumps up the immune system, which promotes healing of cuts and bruises and protects against infectious diseases. Vitamin C is also essential for normal metabolism and tissue repair. It protects against the damage caused by free-radicals (compounds formed by normal metabolism) and helps form collagen (the tissue that holds cells together).

Pears also contain potassium, an electrolyte important to proper heart, nerve and muscle function. Potassium helps regulate electrolyte levels and the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein. It is important to the proper functioning of every cell in the body.

Pears are a versatile fruit that convey positive effects on all parts of the body. They should be considered an important part of everyone's
healthy diet.

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