There pear is a delicate and juicy fruit, appreciated since antiquity for its sweet tastehis white flesh and its many varieties. Easy to integrate into dessertsas in savory recipes, pear is a real concentrate of benefits. Cultivated mainly in Western Europe, it is one of the fruit trees emblematic of our orchards. Here is a complete guide to better know this fruit, the different pear varietieshis calorieshis seasonand its uses in the kitchen.
What is the pear?
The pear is the fruit of pear tree (Pyrus Communis), a family of the family of Rosaceaelike the apple. Generally elongated or rounded, its skin can be pale yellow, green, reddish or browndepending on the variety. Its white flesh is tender, juicy and sweet. It is consumed raw, cooked, in juice or dessert.
“The pear is rich in water (about 85 %) and fiber (2.5 to 3 g per 100 g), especially if you eat it with the skin, and not very caloric (about 55 to 60 kcal per 100 g). It thus contributes to good digestion, to better regulation of blood sugar, and promotes satiety. Carbohydrates, which makes it a particularly interesting fruit in case of overweight or moderate diabetes. recognizes Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist.
“However, as for all fruit, pear contains natural sugars (mainly fructose). In some people very sensitive to glycemic index, or in case of unbalanced diabetes, it is preferable to associate it with healthy proteins or fat (oilseeds, natural yogurt) to limit pic’s peaks. (SII) or sensitive to fodmaps or under anticoagulant can poorly tolerate the pear, because of its richness in fructose and vitamin K “, warns the expert.
Origin and botanical classification of pear
The pear tree is fromCentral Asiawhere he was already cultivated over 4000 years ago. He then conquered theWestern Europein particular France and Italy, where it diversified – several varieties of pears have emerged. The genre Pyrus Includes around thirty species, but only a few are cultivated for their consumption. It is a deciduous plant, demanding a marked winter to fruit, with a harvest generally provided between July and November according to pear types.
What is the pear season?
There pear period varies according to varieties:
- Summer pears : like the Guyotthey are consumed from July to August.
- Fall pears : like the William’s or the Beurré Hardythey are available from September to October.
- Winter pears : like the Conferencethey are harvested in autumn but keep until winter.
In France, the pear production is spread outAugust to Novemberwith peaks depending on the varieties.
What are the benefits of pear?
The pear is a hydrating and light fruit, rich in essential nutrients. Here are some of his benefits ::
- Fiber -rich : it promotes a good intestinal transit.
- Source of vitamin C : antioxidant, it strengthens the immune defenses.
- Contains potassium : beneficial for blood pressure.
- Poor in calories : ideal in a slimming diet.
- Pear and sleep : Its richness in natural carbohydrates and tryptophan helps serenity and night rest.
“This fruit acts as a powerful antioxidant because it contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, present especially in the peel”, Indicates Julie Boët, dietician-nutritionist. “It is also rich in dietary fiber, important for the regularization of intestinal transit and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. About two thirds of the fibers contained in the pear are insoluble fibers”, she continues.
Good to know: The pear’s pear contains more fibers than its pulp.
Nutritional values for 100 g of pear (fresh)
| Nutrients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 57 kcal |
| Water | 84 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fibers | 3 g |
| Protein | 0.4 g |
| Lipids | 0.1 g |
| Vitamin C | 4.3 mg |
| Potassium | 119 mg |
| Iron | 0.2 mg |
How to prepare a pear?
A pear can be consumed as it is, but it is also possible to prepare it to multiple ways:
- Carefully wash the pear under cold water;
- Peel it if its skin is thick (optional);
- Cut the pear into quarters or strips;
- Water with lemon juice pear to avoid oxidation.
How to cook the pear?
The pear is used as well in sweet in salty:
Chocolate pear cake
A classic! Mix pear strips in a chocolate dough for a melting and fruity dessert.
Pear pie
Arrange fine slices of pear on an almond cream in a shortcrust pastry. Bake until coloring.
AMANDINE pear
Refined version of the pie, this dessert consists of a sweet almond -free frangipane and poached pears.
Pear charlotte
It is a fresh and festive dessert, made up of spoon cookies, pear foam and pieces of fruit.
Wine pears
It is a classic of French cuisine, where pears are poached in a syrup made from red wine, sugar and spices.
Pear compote
Simple and delicate, the pear compote is perfect for children or to accompany a blanc cheese.
Syrup pear
It is ideal for homemade preserves or to enhance a cup of champagne.
What is the best way to eat pears?
Raw, with its skin preferably organic, the pear retains all its vitamins. It is perfect for a fruity break, in salad, or with cheese. Cooked, it reveals deep aromasespecially in desserts.
Gourmet tip : Accompany your piece of Roquefort with a thin slice of pear for an elegant aperitif.
Business and possible allergies
Rarely allergenthe pear can however cause discomfort In people sensitive to nuclei fruits or pollens (oral syndrome). Too ripe pears can be difficult to digest.
When not to eat a pear? In case of intolerance, intestinal fermentation or anticoagulant treatment (pay attention to vitamin K of very ripe pears, which is the vitamin of coagulation).
Where to buy pears?
Pears are available in:
- Local markets and AMAP;
- supermarkets;
- among the earlys;
- during picking or on local farms.
What is the price of the pear?
The price of this fruit varies according to the varietythe season and the culture mode:
- In conventional: 2 to 3.50 €/kg.
- Organic or old varieties: 4 to 6 €/kg.
Local pears are often more tasty and more affordable in full season.
How to keep the pear?
The pear can be kept room temperature If it is firm. But she also finds her place in the refrigerator once ripe. Finally, it can slip into jars (syrup pear) or freezer (previously poached).
There pear harvest must be done just before maturity for a optimal conservation.
There peartender and fragrant fruit, delights our taste buds in winter as in summer. Whether in the form of pear pie,, Compote, crumble Or even poached in a syrup, it fully deserves its place in a balanced diet.
What are the different varieties of pears?
- Pear Guyot : summer pear, juicy.
- William’s pear : sweet and fragrant.
- Pear conference : elongated, crunchy.
- Beurré Hardy : melting and fine.
When not to eat a pear?
When it is too ripe, or in case of digestive intolerance or cross allergy.
Pear Guyot or William?
There Guyot is more juicy and ideal in juice. There William has a more marked perfume and is well suited to desserts.