The pear (pyrus communis) is a delicious fruit that is related to the apple and the quince. About the size of apple, pears generally have characteristics large, round bottom that tapers toward the top.
Depending upon the variety, their paper-thin skins can be yellow, green, brown, red or a combination of two or more of these colors. There are many varieties of pears sold. Bartlett and Comice pears are soft, juicy and sweet. They are also very fragile. Bosc and D’Anjou are firmer, but still very sweet and juicy.
Generally pears do not necessarily ripen on the tree. They are picked when still greens, which picking maturity being determined by flesh firmness, color or soluble solids test as established by various regulations.
Fresh pears contain 83% water. Additionally, each 100 g (about 3.5 oz) provides 61 calories (kcal) of energy, 130 mg of potassium, and only 2 mg of sodium. The calories in pears are derived primarily from the sugars (carbohydrate) which gave pears a sweet taste.
Pears are excellence source of water-soluble fibers, including pectin. In fact, pears are actually higher in pectin than apples. This makes them quite useful in helping to lower cholesterol levels and in toning the intestines.
About 48% of the pear is sold as fresh pears for consumption as fresh fruits and for home use. The remaining 52% is processed as canned or dried fruit.
Fruit of pears
