Celebrate National Pear Month
December is National Pear Month, a time to savor and spotlight one of nature’s most versatile and nutritious fruits.
Pears are beloved for their natural sweetness, subtle flavor profiles, and impressive health benefits. Whether you enjoy them fresh, cooked, or creatively incorporated into recipes, pears are a seasonal treat that offers more than just great taste.
Let’s take a look at a few of the nutritional approaches in integrative medicine:
Rich in Nutrients
Pears are packed with essential nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Fiber supports heart health by helping lower cholesterol levels, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system and aids in collagen production for healthy skin. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle function, making pears a nutritious choice for overall wellness.
Digestive Health
With about 6 grams of fiber in a medium pear, this fruit is a superstar for digestive health. Fiber promotes regular bowel movements and feeds beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a balanced microbiome.
Unconventional Culinary Uses
Pears shine in unexpected ways in the kitchen. Grilling pears caramelizes their natural sugars, making them a delightful addition to salads or a savory cheese platter. They can also be poached in spiced wine for an elegant dessert or blended into creamy soups to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Natural Sweetener
Ripe pears are nature’s candy, offering a naturally sweet alternative to processed sugars. Use pureed pears in baked goods like muffins or pancakes, or stir them into oatmeal for a healthy, sugar-free flavor boost. They also make a perfect base for sauces or glazes for roasted meats or vegetables.
Skin-Friendly Antioxidants
Pears are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and copper, which help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These antioxidants promote skin elasticity and reduce the signs of aging. Adding pears to your diet can enhance your skin’s glow and overall health from the inside out.
Celebrate National Pear Month with this sweet but healthy dessert recipe, perfect for the holidays! You can also find it here.
Ingredients:
- 4 pears, such as bosc, bartlett or anjou
- 24 fresh cranberries
- 4 tbsp chopped pecans
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more, if needed
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more, if needed.
- 4 tsp raw honey
- Greek yogurt for pairing
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Slice the pears in half lengthwise and use a melon baller or spoon to remove the cores, creating small cavities.
- Place the pear halves cut-side up in the baking dish.
- Fill each pear with a mixture of cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Drizzle the pears with honey and sprinkle them with ground cinnamon for added flavor.
- Place a small piece of butter on top of each filled pear.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent touch.
– Natalie Lezcano, Wellness Coordinator, GatorCare
Want more?
Check out our previous edition of Food for Thought!
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Learn how to incorporate integrative medicine to combat this condition with our previous edition of Food for Thought!
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