Scientific name: Pyrus communis

Pears are delicious fruit that is a member of the rose family and are related to the apples. Pears generally have a large round bottom that tapers towards the top; the skin is yellow, green, brown, red or a combination of two or more of these colors depending on the variety. We usually think of pear as bell-shaped, but some varieties are shaped almost like a rounded apple. Like apples, pears have a core that features several seeds. Its size is about that of an apple with several seeds in the core, like an apple. The skins vary in color yellow, green, brown, red, or a combination of any of these colors.The white-yellowish color flesh of pears is juicy, sweet and usually mild. Some varieties have grainy flesh.

Pear generally contains iron but some variety has more iron content than others. This can be seen when a cut pear turns brown. If it doesn't turn brown, it means that the iron content is very low or non-existent.

Pear varieties that is commonly available in the market:

• Bosc variety is tan to brown and have a long, tapered neck. Their flesh is not as juicy as that of other pears.
• Anjou's variety has yellow-green skin and an oval shape. They have the blandest flavor of all pears. It is usually available during winter.
• Bartlett's variety has bright yellow skin and sweet juices. They are usually available during summer to fall.
• Comice variety are the best-tasting pears, they are sweet, juicy, has fuller and rounder than the others with mottled green skin that camouflages glorious flavor. They are available in the late fall through Christmas.

Nutritive Values: Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A: 20I.U.
• Thiamine: .02 mg
• Riboflavin: .04 mg.
• Niacin: .1mg
• Vitamin C: 4 mg.
• Calcium: 13 mg.
• Iron: .3 mg
• Phosphorus: 16mg
• Potassium: 182 mg.
• Fat: .4 gm
• Carbohydrates: 15.8 gm
• Protein: .7 gm
• Calories: 63

Health Benefits:

• The anti-oxidant nutrients in pears are critical in building up your immune system.
• Pear is good for diabetics because its sweetness is supplied in large part by levulose, fruit sugar that is more easily tolerated by diabetics.
• Pears high vitamin C and copper content act as good anti-oxidants that protect cells from damages by free radicals.
• Pear is good in relieving fever because of its cooling effect. Best way to bring a fever down quickly is by drinking a big glass of pear juice.
• Pear can help prevent Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
• It can help against Acidosis (deficiency in alkalinity of the blood)
• It helps prevent allergies and other skin problems.
• It can help prevent colitis (inflammation of the colon)
• Pear is high in vitamin B-complex and potassium, which is beneficial for the heart and for blood pressure
• Pears are excellent source of pectin (an important aid in digestion and cleansing the body of toxins and other waste) so they help prevent and treat constipation.
• Pears are excellent source of water-soluble fiber.Drinking pear juice regularly helps regulate bowel movements.
• Boil two Chinese pear juice with some raw honey and drink warm. This is extremely healing for the throat and the vocal cord.

Buying and Storing: Choose deep colored and firm pears, but not too hard. They should have a smooth skin that is free of bruises or molds. To hasten the ripening, store them at room temperature for a few days to soften and ripen. If you will not be consuming the pears immediately once they have ripened, you can store them in the refrigerator where they can remain fresh for a few days. Pears for juicing are best kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Over-ripe pears are mushy and are not suitable for juicing.

Season: Pears are in season throughout the year but especially from end of August through October, depending on the variety.