Pears & Your Health: What You Need to Know

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Pears seem to be the ugly step-sister that consumers don’t pay enough attention to. Pears have long-lived in the shadows of its beautiful sibling, the apple. So the question is: why should I care about pears? Well, beyond the unique flavors and texture they offer, pears are one healthy fruit! Pears are loaded with benefits including being fat and cholesterol-free, while still maintaining low sodium levels. They also contain antioxidants and vitamins vital for bone and tissue health. Not only that, one medium pear has six grams of fiber which is 22% of the daily recommended value for Americans. That’s quite a bit of fiber! Plus, pears are a heart-healthy food!

One recommendation to reap all of these pear benefits is to buy pears ahead of when you plan to eat them (and buy in bulk!). Pears take more time than apples to ripen and reach peak flavor. (Here is a way you can tell if your pears are ripe or not. You can learn how to store them here.) When pears hit their prime, they are extremely flavorful, have beautiful coloring and make for an amazing eating experience.

To appreciate pears and all of its extraordinary benefits, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite healthy pear recipes that are definitely a must-try this upcoming pear season.

This Pear, Persimmon, and Pomegranate Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, salty and savory. Start with a bed of greens, top with sliced Stemilt d’Anjou pears, flavorful pomegranate seeds, and crunchy walnuts. Drizzle a homemade vinaigrette on top and voilà! Delicious salad that will do wonders for your taste buds (and your insides will be thanking you, too).

With the crisp fall mornings coming our way, there is nothing better than a warm bowl of hearty goodness. Next time you’re making a bowl of oatmeal, try this recipe for Pear-Pecan Pumpkin Oatmeal. Nothing screams fall like pumpkin and pear and it only takes a few minutes!

Don’t forget those healthy drink options too. When you’re looking for something to quench your thirst, give this pear, citrus and ginger green juice a try! Between the tangy citrus, the sweet essence of pears and the blast of flavor from the ginger, this juice is a hard one to forget! Plus it’s great for you. Throw all of the ingredients into a blender, blend it up and you will have a delicious tasting juice in no time.

Happy Pear Season!

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