Did you know ?
- 1 The pear is one of the few fruits that doesn't ripen on the tree.
- 2 Asian pears are actually apples in botanical terms.
- 3 Pears ripen from the inside out - unlike most fruits.
Pear
Pears are sweet, bell-shaped fruits with juicy white flesh and edible skin. They come in hundreds of varieties, offer excellent nutritional value, and have been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
View other Pome fruits
Nutrition
Detailed nutritional values of pears
Section titled “Detailed nutritional values of ”Values of an average pear (~178g) - raw :
| Calories | 101 kcal |
| Proteins | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| of which sugars | 17g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fats | 0.3g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
Ripeness
How to know if a pear is ripe ?
Section titled “How to know if is ripe ?”
Perfectly ripe
Juicy, sweet, and fragrant.
How to recognize this state :
- Slight give near the stem when pressed
- Sweet aroma
- Stem detaches easily
- Brighter color (varies by type)
- Smooth, buttery texture
- ⚠️ To be distinguished from signs of rot (mold, unpleasant odor)
Advice for ripe products
A perfectly ripe pear offers the best flavor and texture. Consume it quickly or refrigerate to maintain freshness for 3-5 days.
Selection
How to choose pears ?
Section titled “How to choose ?”To choose quality pears at the supermarket or market :
- Pick unblemished fruits with intact stems
- Select pears that are firm but not rock hard
- Pick heavy-for-size pears (indicates juiciness)
- Match variety to intended use (firm for cooking, soft for eating)
- Avoid pears with punctures or soft spots
Storage and ripening
How to store and ripen pears ?
Section titled “How to store and ripen ?”How to store pears ?
- Store unripe pears at room temperature until they yield to gentle pressure near the stem. Once ripe, refrigerate to slow further ripening for up to 5 days.
- Cut pears should be dipped in lemon water and refrigerated in an airtight container. For long-term storage, pears can be canned, dried, or frozen (blanch slices first).
How to ripen pears ?
If you bought unripe pears, here's how to speed up the process :
- Place pears in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to speed up the process (ethylene gas accelerates ripening)
- Warm countertop : Leave at room temperature out of direct sunlight
- Rice/bread box trick: Bury them to trap ethylene gas
Health
Health benefits of a pear
Section titled “Health benefits of ”- High fiber content aids digestion
- Rich in antioxidants that reduce inflammation
- Supports heart health by lowering cholesterol
- Provides immune-boosting vitamin C
- Contains bone-strengthening nutrients
Origin
What is the origin of pears ?
Section titled “What is the origin of ?”Pears originated in China and Central Asia over 4,000 years ago. They were cultivated by ancient Greeks and Romans, who developed many varieties. European settlers brought pears to America where they became an important crop. Today, China is the world's largest pear producer.
Regions of origin
- China
- Central Asia
- Mediterranean region (Roman improvements)
- Western Europe (modern varieties)
Recipes
Cook a pear according to its ripeness
Section titled “Cook according to its ripeness”Unripe
- Pear & ginger chutney
- Grilled pear salad
- Pear-infused vinegar
Perfectly ripe
- Fresh pear tart
- Prosciutto-wrapped pears
- Stuffed pears
Overripe
- Pear crumble
- Pear and walnut bread
- Spiced pear butter
F.A.Q
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “Frequently asked questions”Warnings
Warnings and precautions for pears
Section titled “Warnings and precautions for ”- Wash pears thoroughly to remove potential pesticide residues if not organic
- Choking hazard for young children (hard pieces)
- May cause bloating in sensitive individuals (high fiber)
- Some people with birch pollen allergy may react to pears
Do not confuse with
Harder, more astringent, usually cooked before eating
Must be bletted (softened) before eating.
Firmer texture, rounder shape, more acidic flavor.