Dorothy FarrarPear
The pear has a long history. With its numerous vitamins and minerals, it makes a significant contribution to health. It is available all year round.
Interesting facts about pears
The pear is one of the pome fruit varieties of the rose family. Their name derives from the Latin “pirum”. It represents the fruit of the pear tree. The ripe fruit can be picked directly from the tree or collected as fallen fruit. The pear consists of a bulbous lower part that runs into a narrower upper part. It can grow up to 10 cm.
Inside are some brown to black, small cores. The color ranges from green to yellow to reddish. Their taste can be sweet, sour or spicy. The consistency of the flesh is juicy and yet firm, with ripe fruit it is somewhat softer than that of apples.
There were pears in China as early as 5000 BC. Homer mentioned them in his Odyssey. The Romans also bred them and brought them to Europe. It was cultivated in West America at the beginning of the 19th century. The number of varieties grew steadily. While there were still 1000 in the 19th century, today there are around 5000 varieties. Depending on the variety, pears are available in supermarkets all year round.
They are usually picked shortly before the end of their ripening phase so that they can continue to ripen when stored in a cool place. That way they last longer. German-grown fruit is in season from August to February and is mainly available in organic shops and at weekly markets.
importance to health
The pear contains the vitamin B complex, which has a significant impact on energy production. It lifts the mood and promotes concentration. The vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and promotes wound healing. It prevents arterial calcification because it strengthens the inner walls of the vessels. To do this, it tightens the connective tissue .
The calcium contained in the pear is needed for the growth of bones and teeth . Adequate calcium intake can prevent osteoporosis . Its magnesium content ensures muscle relaxation and strengthens the nervous system.
The contained zinc is involved in cell division. Children and young people in particular have a high need. It has a positive effect on wound healing. In addition, it strengthens the immune system. The fiber in the pear is needed for good digestion. They cannot be broken down by the stomach and intestines and serve as a softener. The tannic acids relieve gastro-intestinal inflammation.
Ingredients & nutritional values
On average, a 100 g pear contains 52 kcal, 0.5 g of protein, 12.4 g of carbohydrates and 0.3 g of fat. Their water content is 83%. It contains a lot of vitamins B and C, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Like all fruits, it provides the body with fiber. It also contains tannic acids. The valuable ingredients are located directly under the shell.
intolerances
You may be allergic to pears. It can also be a cross allergy. Anyone who is allergic to birch pollen may also be allergic to pears. After consumption, reddening of the skin , wheal formation or itching may occur. The mouth and throat can swell.
A food intolerance is more likely to cause problems in the gastrointestinal tract . This can be flatulence , cramps or diarrhea . Eating unripe fruit can also cause these symptoms.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Local products are preferable to imported ones. Their vitamin content is higher due to the shorter transport route. If the pear is to be eaten including the skin, unsprayed fruit from the organic department or in a health food store should be used. Ripe pears can be recognized by a light pressure test. The flesh should yield very slightly.
Fruits with brown spots can be eaten, but should not be stored for too long, as they quickly become rotten or mouldy. The affected areas can be removed with a kitchen knife. It is best to store the fruit in the refrigerator, because a dark, cool location contributes to the longevity (approx. 6 weeks) of the pears.
Before consumption or further processing, the fruit should be washed under running lukewarm water. For some types of preparation, the pears have to be peeled beforehand. The core should also be removed.
preparation tips
The range of preparation options is large. Many people eat the pear raw as a snack or as an ingredient in muesli. If the harvest was good, preserving is best. For this purpose, the peeled pears are filled with a sugar solution in glasses with screw caps. A cake can also be baked with pears as a topping or filling. They are also suitable as an ingredient for jam, mousse or compote. They enhance the taste of a fruit salad.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.