Pears Have Just the “Ripe” Taste!

Did you know there are over 3,000 known varieties of pears? From red to yellow, there is a pear to accommodate everyone’s taste. Pears not only come in a variety of colors, but they also come in different, shapes, sizes, and tastes. It’s the perfect time of year to get into the pear spirit because December is National Pear Month.

Pears are one fruit that brings a whole lot of joy to this season. Their unique taste and versatility make them a great pair to your favorite foods.

In addition to being crisp and delicious, pears are packed with fiber and important vitamins and minerals. And with pears always being in-season, you can enjoy their health benefits all year long.

Nutritional Benefits of Pears

Pears are not only sweet, but they have impressive nutritional benefits as well. Here are some just to name a few:

Fiber Packed- A medium-sized pear has 6 grams of fiber! It’s recommended that women try to eat at least 21 to 25 grams of fiber daily and men should try to eat 30 to 38 grams a day. Fiber is essential when it comes to digestive health and keeping your gut happy and healthy.

Rich in Antioxidants- Pears offer certain antioxidant compounds which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. The green varieties contain lutein and zeaxanthin which are important for vision. Red varieties are rich in anthocyanins, which are important for heart health.

Inflammatory Fighter- Pears contain flavonoids, which are also an antioxidant, that the body uses to help fight inflammation. This in turn can lower the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Full of Vitamins and Minerals- Pears contain important minerals such as copper, potassium, and magnesium. As far as vitamins, pears are packed with Vitamin C, K, and B! Your body needs these essential nutrients for proper daily functioning.

Pick A Pear

Since pears are available year-round, they are easy to find in stores and easy to add into meals! Check out some of the delicious ways you can enjoy pears at every meal:

Breakfast- While pears make for a great snack, they can also be the center of your favorite dish. For breakfast, you can add a chopped pear to a bowl of yogurt or enjoy sliced pears with your favorite nut butter.

Lunch- Pears can make a great addition to your lunchtime meal and they pair perfectly with salty foods such as cheese. Try adding a chopped pear to a salad or mix in with some whole grains such as lentils or quinoa.

Dinner- Pears are so versatile, they make the perfect sweet or savory dish. Some popular ways to cook pears include roasting and poaching. They make an excellent addition to chicken dishes, seasoned with some warm spices.

Dessert- Pears are naturally sweet so making them into a dessert is a piece of cake! Try baking pears for your next delicious dessert dish. Preheat the oven to 350° F, cut pears in half, and hollow out their centers. Scoop out any seeds, and add in walnuts, or almonds, and sprinkle with cinnamon and honey. Bake for 30 mins and enjoy!

When it comes it food, pears may just be the perfect pairing you were missing. For this season, and throughout the rest of the year, find some ways to enjoy this delicious fruit and spread the word!

Your Turn to Action: Do you have a favorite way to eat a pear? Let me know in the comments below.