By Pam
Pears (Pyrus communis) are a pome fruit relative of the apple. There are more than 3000 known varieties in the world. With the numerous varieties and extended growing seasons, pears of all sizes and colors are available year-round.
Pears contain no cholesterol, sodium, or saturated fat. These high fiber, low calorie juicy treats also contain two important types of flavonoid antioxidants that are associated with less weight gain over time. Studies have shown that flavonoids seem to inhibit weight gain however researchers aren’t really sure why.
To obtain the maximum benefits from eating pears make sure they are ripe and be sure to eat the skin. As the pear ripens, chlorophyll breaks down and forms nonfluorescent chlorophyll catabolites or NCCs. NCCs pack quite the antioxidant punch! There’s no need to peel a pear. Their tender, edible skin is an additional source of fiber and the skin also contains antioxidants.
So this holiday season when the candy, flavored popcorn and cookies start making their rounds in your home or work place, reach for a pear and you will be ahead of the game when it comes to making the traditional number one New Year’s Resolution of weight loss.
Here is one low fat recipe I found for Pear Butter:
Ingredients
- 4 ripe but firm Bartlett pears (1-1 1/4 pounds), peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3/4 cup(s) pear nectar
Directions
- Place pears and pear nectar in a heavy medium saucepan; bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pears are very tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the ripeness of the pears.
- Mash the pears with a potato masher. Cook, uncovered, over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the puree has cooked down to a thick mass (somewhat thicker than applesauce), 20 to 30 minutes. Stir almost constantly toward the end of cooking. Scrape the pear butter into a bowl or storage container and let cool.
How about you? Do you have any favorite recipes that make use of pears.
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Comments
15 Responses to Reach For A Pear This Holiday Season
Pears are one of my most-loved fruits! One of my favorite ways to eat pears is to toss them in salads. Yummy. I will have to try the pear butter – sounds delish!
I swear I don’t work for this company, but Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears are an experience all their own. They are a bit pricey, but if you are looking for a gift for someone that is hard to shop for and want to stay away from chocolate and other “bad stuff”, this is a good alternative.
I bought the Harry and David pears for my husband’s grandparents years ago and they raved about them. I think I may order from them again this year for some long-distance relatives.
I love pear sauce, like apple sauce. This recipe sounds similar. I bet that you could substitute the nectar for apple cider.
I love pears and brie at Christmas, when everyone is home and looking for something besides cookies to munch.
Anya, chocolate is not bad stuff! It’s good stuff!
I love pears also and many times forget to buy them when I go to the store. Today I purchased five when I went to the grocery store and look forward to eating them. To me they are as good as candy and if they will help me lose weight or even not gain weight, I am ahead of the game.
Anya, I have ordered from Harry & David before and their fruit is fantastic. I need to put this on my list to order for my parents. Thanks for reminding me.
Pam, that Tower of Treats at Harry and David is so festive! And the two pears are like royalty just sitting there all packaged in that pretty box.
I went to a bridal shower recently and I wrapped up baking pans in a tower, with measuring cups on top. Several other guests asked if I got the bride the Tower of Treats. It’s iconic.
They sell a variety of pears next to each other so I mix them up when I buy them. I can never remember which are the ones I like best, the ugly brown ones (bosc), the yellow green (bartlett), or the red (anjou)? Which are your favorites?
Today I bought the bartlett. I will have to let them ripe but they are my favorites. I have never eaten a bosc before. They just look kind of ugly. LOL Are they good?
I will have to look at the Tower of Treats.
I’m a pear lover, too. I love all kinds of pears, especially sickle pears. They’re those little ones. I really like them because they remind me of my chidhood. My dad always bought them when available and all us kids loved them.
The Bosc pears are really good Pam. They have a good crispness to them. Delicious.
Pears are one of the few fruits I LOVE!! And this is very happy news to me about the weight! I think I’m going to have a pear or two for lunch the next few weeks and see what happens. I just bought some over the weekend so I’m all set!
I don’t care for cooked fruit but the pear butter sounds really good. I love pears. I cant get enough of them- good to know they can help with not gaining weight.
I don’t care for pears. After reading the comments, I feel like I”m missing out.
I love pears! I like most varieties, but especially the red Asian pears.
They are indeed delicious in salads – I make a salad with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, sliced pears and toasted walnuts in a dressing of honey, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Yummy.
Jennie,
Can you share the proportions/recipe for the honey dressing? It sounds nice.
Okay, after reading this article, I started the next day to substitute a pear for my usual lunch. I kept eating normally otherwise (my usual breakfast, and eating like a maniac the rest of the day like I always do, and dinner as usual, and tons of sweets at night). The only diet change I made was to eat a pear for lunch and so far I’ve lost three pounds (in seven days)!
THANK YOU!!
Ann, I’m terrible with actual recipes, but I would say: 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 clove minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Some may prefer a little more honey, but I don’t like my salad dressings really sweet.
Wow Eileen,
That is fantastic.