Pears are valuable fruits that have been widely used and savored for their delicious flavor since ancient times. Beyond being a tasty addition to the diet, pears are also packed with nutrients and nutritional value.
Botanically, it is a “pome fruit” produced in the Rosaceae family of trees, in the Pyrus genus. Pome fruit trees are average sized trees found in the semi-tropical regions around the northern hemisphere and also include apple, loquat, medlar…etc.
The pear is a sweet fruit that is said to be related to the apple. Its size is about that of an apple with several seeds in the core, like an apple. Unlike apples though, most pear varieties have paper-thin skins which are not easy to peel. The skins vary in color—yellow, green, brown, red, or a combination of any of these colors.
Pears are broadly classified based upon their place of origin as Asian-pears and European-pears. Asian varieties feature crispy texture and firm consistency that do not change even after harvesting or storage, making them fit for ready-to-eat. Whereas, European types generally become soft and juicy when allowed them to ripen.
Nutritional Value of Pears
Besides their availability and flavor, pears have also been valued for their medicinal benefits for thousands of years. Modern science now tells us the contents of the fruit, and the mineral, vitamin, and organic compound content of pear species is the reason for its vast health potential. Some of these active and effective components are potassium, vitamin-C, vitamin K, phenolic compounds, folate, dietary fiber, copper, manganese, magnesium, as well as B-complex vitamins.
Pears are considered healthy for a number of reasons but we’ve picked out the most important ones to share with you.
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