Pears are introduced into a child’s diet as fruit complementary foods at the age of 7-8 months, after the baby has already become accustomed to it. Pear has a mild taste and pleasant aroma. This fruit perfectly quenches thirst and, thanks to its unique composition, saturates the body with useful substances.
Pears are rich in vitamins, minerals and other substances beneficial to the child's body. The aromatic fruit contains:
- macroelements (sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine, potassium, sodium);
- trace elements (rubidium, nickel, cobalt, selenium, copper, manganese, zinc, etc.);
- vitamins (phylloquinone, ascorbic acid, biotin, thiamine, riboflavin, beta-carotene, vitamin PP, B5, B6, folic acid, etc.).
The pear is 83% water. The fruit also contains sucrose, fructose, glucose, starch, ash, organic acids, pectin, cellulose, tannins, etc.
Benefits of pear
Children under one year old can be offered pear in the form of puree.
Her beneficial features:
- It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and normalizes heart rhythm.
- Has a diuretic, antitussive and disinfectant effect.
- Creates favorable conditions for normal reproduction, while simultaneously preventing the development of pathogenic flora.
- Strengthens the immune system and helps the child’s body fight infections.
- Substances in the fruit are involved in energy metabolism and hemoglobin synthesis.
- Beta carotene is good for vision.
- Arbutin glycoside has antibacterial activity.
Pears rarely cause allergic reactions (green varieties are considered hypoallergenic), but you need to be careful when introducing them to your child for the first time.
Fruits can “strengthen” and cause pain, while overripe fruits, on the contrary, have a laxative effect.
If a child does not have any digestive problems after introducing pears to the menu, then you can safely give him this fruit in the future.
Harm of pears to a child's health
Pear can also have an adverse effect on the child’s body. This juicy fruit, for example, in comparison with is quite heavy food. Doctors advise eating a pear after your main meal, 30-60 minutes later, but not drinking it with water!
It is contraindicated to give pear to children with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:
It is not advisable to eat fruits on an empty stomach.
In what form should I give the pear?
Children 2-3 years old and older can add pear to porridge or cottage cheese. Infants under the age of one year are given mashed pears; it is advisable to start complementary feeding with baked or boiled pear puree. The amount of pear puree for the first test is half a teaspoon. In the future, the volume of complementary foods gradually increases, but up to 1 year it should not exceed 70-80 g.
cultivated for more than three thousand years. In the wild, it grows throughout Eurasia up to 60 degrees north latitude. Scientists have identified two ancient centers of wild pear domestication - Ancient China and Western Asia, but the place where it was first domesticated is not known exactly. Pleasant taste and beneficial properties did pear one of the most beloved fruits (there are more than 5,000 cultivated varieties). Many people believe that pear- this is a complete benefit and harm from it is unlikely. Let's try to figure out if this is so.
Did you know? The first information about pears can be found in sources of the 2nd millennium BC. e. Pears were cultivated in Persia (in Homer's Odyssey there is a description of a Persian garden with pears) and in Ancient China. Frescoes from Pompeii depict ripe pears. Thanks to the ancient Greeks and Romans, pears spread throughout Europe. The Romans called the pear "Pyrus" - "Flame". In ancient Russian sources, the name “khrusha” was used from the 12th century (the term came from Persia). In the 17th century in Russian it was “dulya” (borrowing from Polish).
Calorie content and chemical composition of pear
It was not for nothing that the ancient Chinese called the pear the fruit of immortality. In addition to taste, aromatic qualities and low energy value - from 42 to 54 kcal (which makes pear indispensable in dietary nutrition), this fruit has a unique chemical composition. In terms of the content of many micro- and macroelements and acids, it is superior to apples and other fruits. The pear contains elements such as:
- calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, sodium;
- iron, molybdenum, zinc, manganese, copper, silicon, fluorine, selenium, boron, iodine, cobalt, vanadium, rubidium, nickel;
- vitamins (B, B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, B12, C, H, A, PP, K, E);
- mono- and disaccharides, tannins, mono- and polyacids, fiber.
- folic acid (prevents fetal malformations). 100 g of pear contains 12 mcg of B9;
- vitamin C (important as an antioxidant). In 100 g of pear - 7 mg;
- potassium (in combination with phosphorus and calcium, supports the cardiovascular system of mother and child, protects the preservation of the enamel of a pregnant woman’s teeth);
- fiber (helps fight constipation - common occurrence in pregnant women due to iron-preserving drugs). It should be remembered that eating dried pears will lead to the opposite result - such a pear strengthens;
- simple carbohydrates (do not add excess weight).
- improve vision and metabolic processes(thanks to carotene), will increase immunity;
- will strengthen the bones of the skeleton (potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus contribute to this);
- will provide folic acid for hematopoietic processes;
- improve the condition of hair and skin (with the help of sulfur);
- normalizes intestinal flora (due to fiber and tannins);
- will support nervous system, will ensure the process of cell regeneration and increase resistance to infections (vitamins B and C), etc.
- in diet therapy - the inclusion of this low-allergenic product in dishes (for example, oatmeal);
- in the form of a mixture, which is taken in a glass twice a day during an allergic exacerbation. A mixture is made from a decoction of 100 g of dried pears and 100 g of oatmeal. The pear is poured with a liter of boiling water and boiled for half an hour. Pour 1.5 liters of water into the oatmeal and cook for 20 minutes. Then both decoctions are infused (2 hours) and mixed;
- as an infusion. Boil half a kilogram of dried pears and cook for 20 minutes over low heat in two liters of water, then leave for 2 hours. Drink the infusion after meals (one glass).
- regenerative effects (renewal of skin cells);
- anti-inflammatory (relieving irritation, rashes, redness);
- tonic (rejuvenating).
- Infusions of pear leaves help fight dandruff, tighten pores, and enrich the skin with vitamins. Masks, scrubs, creams, lotions and other cosmetic products are created on a pear basis.
- One of the simplest remedies is a scrub made from pear pulp (varieties with hard “fossilized” grains are especially suitable) - the skin will be delicately cleansed, enriched with acids and vitamins, and pigment spots will lighten.
- If you have a problem with the scalp (dandruff), it is recommended to rub pear juice into the hair roots 30 minutes before washing your hair for 2-3 weeks.
- Pear masks are one of the most popular methods of using pears in cosmetology. They are made from ripe fruits, combining with other ingredients:
- from pear and sour cream (the pulp of one pear, sour cream (a tablespoon)). The ingredients are mixed and applied for 20 minutes - the facial skin is smoothed;
- from pear and egg (pulp of one pear, egg white). Beat the egg whites, add the pear, apply to the skin for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water - relieves skin inflammation and irritation;
- from pear, honey and cream (pear, heavy cream, orange juice, liquid honey (a teaspoon)). Stir the ingredients and apply to the face. After 20 minutes, rinse with green tea - the skin is rejuvenated and toned.
- April - May – young shoots (during budding, blooming of young leaves);
- May - June – flowers and leaves;
- July - August – summer pear varieties;
- September – autumn varieties;
- early October - winter varieties (can be stored fresh for up to eight months).
- From summer and autumn varieties Pears are also prepared for preservation (jam, juices, compotes, jelly, marmalade) and dried fruits.
- consumption of this fruit by people suffering from gastritis or ulcers (in this case, baked or boiled fruits should be used). Fresh pears may also be too “heavy” for the stomachs of older people;
- consumption of tart, sour pears by people with central nervous system diseases;
- individual intolerance by people to this fruit (an extremely rare phenomenon).
- It is advisable to refrain from eating pears during the period of exacerbation of these diseases, and also not to be greedy and not to overeat fresh fruits.
Benefits of pear for the body
All these elements are in a balanced combination. The juicy, slightly astringent pulp tones, improves mood, has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, stimulates the cardiovascular system, and lowers cholesterol levels. Pear is useful to eat in any form - it retains its qualities in dried form (uzvar, a drink made from infused steamed dry pears, personified life among the Slavs), in compotes, jelly and juice. This fruit is especially useful for children, pregnant and lactating women.
Important!If we talk about the benefits of pears, we need to remind you that this fruit practically does not cause allergies and is one of the few fruits that are not contraindicated for diabetic patients. On an empty stomach eat a pear there is not recommended - high fiber content will irritate the mucous membranes.
Pear for pregnant women and breastfeeding
The hypoallergenic, low-calorie fruit is ideal for expectant mothers. The pear contains elements necessary for the bodies of both mother and child:
When switching to fresh fruit for the first time, it is better to limit yourself to a small slice of pear and observe the child’s reaction. Together with breast milk the child will receive all the useful elements that the pear is rich in.
Important! When purchasing imported pears, you should remember that the fruits are treated with special preservatives and wax for long-term storage. Therefore, it is better to peel the skin from such a pear with a knife and throw it away.
Most pediatricians advise starting to feed babies pears from the age of seven months (giving them a few drops of juice to try and gradually increasing the dose, moving on to pear puree). Pear is easily digestible and will be beneficial to the child’s body because:
Did you know? Compared to apples, plums and peaches, pears have a less predictable flavor profile - they can be hard, soft, smooth or grainy. A ripe pear can be eaten with crunch, or you can drink it. The flavors are varied (from lemon and strawberry to caramel and pineapple). Smell is the best way to select a pear. A ripe, uncut pear has a pleasant, strong aroma - the stronger the aroma, the tastier the fruit.
Use in folk medicine: treatment with pear
Official medicine recognizes the pear's dietary properties and ability to normalize intestinal function. Pear in folk medicine takes a more worthy place. In most medicinal recipes, the main element is wild pear. Medicinal properties pear, its flowers, shoots and leaves have long been used to treat a wide variety of ailments (heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, severe cough, etc.).
For allergies
Pear rarely causes allergies.
Can be used to combat allergies:
For diarrhea
The ability of pears to fight infections and suppress pathogenic microbes has been used in traditional medicine. The tannin in pears serves as an astringent, and pectin will support the mucous membranes. You can drink freshly squeezed juice of slightly unripe pears, you can prepare a decoction of dried wild pears (for 100 g of pears, half a liter of water, boil and leave for 10 minutes over low heat. Leave for half an hour, take half a glass warm).
For prostatitis
Healers often call the wild pear the fruit of “male power.” The high content of arbutin and vitamin P inhibits inflammatory processes in the prostate gland, improves blood circulation, and helps with erectile dysfunction. Drinking a decoction of wild fruits and leaves every day for 2-3 months relieves exacerbation of the disease and reduces the risk of prostatitis in older men.
An effective remedy is an infusion of pear flowers (infuse 30 g of raw material in 0.5 liters of boiling water for 5 minutes), which, after straining, should be drunk within 24 hours.
For urethritis
Arbutin glycoside in pears has an antiseptic effect and relieves pain. To treat urethritis, traditional medicine recommends taking juice (50 g each) and wild pear decoction (1 glass) daily. The decoction is effective prepared from dry leaves of a pear tree (1 tablespoon), yarrow, knotweed (also 1 spoon each). The ingredients need to be mixed and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, then leave for 40 minutes. After filtering, take in small portions throughout the day.
Healing festering wounds
The ability of the pear to heal wounds was noticed in ancient times (it is believed that Avicenna did this). Traditional medicine supports this point of view: fresh wounds can be treated with pear pulp (hold for 10 minutes and rinse); The crust from an old wound will disappear more quickly if you periodically lubricate it with pear pulp. If the wound is long-healing or festered, it is recommended to wash it with a decoction of 50 g of pear skins boiled in 1 liter of water. The antiseptic properties of pear will speed up healing.
How pears are used in cosmetology
The use of pears in cosmetology has a long tradition. Traditional medicine has traditionally used the following qualities of pears to enhance attractiveness:
Important! When making creams, masks, lotions, and pear-based rubs at home, it is advisable to use the ripest fruits - they contain the maximum of nutritional and beneficial elements.
Preparation and storage of pear raw materials
Tree flowers, young shoots, leaves and pear fruits are subject to harvesting. Raw materials from pears are harvested gradually - as they ripen:
Canned pears retain many beneficial properties, but dried pears will be more beneficial.
Pears that are beginning to ripen are selected for drying. Pears are washed (no need to peel, small fruits are dried with the stem). If the pears are very large, you can cut them in half.
Before drying, it is advisable to heat treat the pears - keep them in boiling water until they become soft (depending on ripeness - from five to ten minutes). You can add sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon.
Dry under the sun in the shade (up to 2-3 days), then dry in a ventilated room (strung on a thread); in the oven (at a temperature of 55 to 60 degrees). Gradually, the pears become dry and hard (in the future, when consumed, they need to be steamed - the steam will make them soft and tasty, preserving all the beneficial substances).
It is better to store dry (it is better to pick pears in dry weather), undamaged fruits. It is optimal to store fruits in ventilated wooden boxes. The fruits should lie with the stalk up and not touch each other (can be separated with paper or sawdust). The room should be dry and not hot.
Did you know? Winter varieties are not inferior in health and taste to summer and autumn varieties. As storage progresses, the stony fibers ripen, sweetness increases, tannins disappear, and taste improves. Winter varieties of pears are suitable for consumption in winter and spring, when there is a deficiency of vitamins.
Contraindications and harm of pear
Consumption of fresh pears has certain contraindications. Harm to pear health can occur in the following cases:
Did you know? When preparing dishes from pears and choosing seasonings, you should keep in mind that their best companions are cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, basil, sage, and allspice. The combination of pear with sea buckthorn and lingonberries will add a special taste.
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Pear - favorite seasonal fruit for many people. Juicy and tasty pear fruits were inspired by the Indians, used for medicinal purposes by the inhabitants of Europe and glorified in the famous “Odyssey” by Homer himself. Why are these fruits one of the most favorite delicacies of many people, what are the benefits and harms of pear fruits for human health? This article will tell you about this.
People often call the pear the queen of fruits. Its fruits are not only tasty, but also have numerous beneficial properties. If you compare the composition of pears, for example, with apples, then they contain less sugar and more sweetness. The benefits of pears for the body are simply enormous. It strengthens the immune system, lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood, and helps burn excess fat (and therefore is useful for losing weight). The low amount of sugar in these fruits makes pears healthy for people with diabetes. They are recommended to be eaten by women during pregnancy, children, people with weakened immune systems, and those with intestinal and stomach diseases. The varieties that exist today (and there are more than 5 thousand species) allow each person to choose fruits to suit their taste. Each variety of fruit differs in its shape, size, color, and taste. Only the valuable components and beneficial properties of the pear remain unchanged.
ABOUT healing properties and the invaluable benefits of pear fruits for the human body are said by many doctors and adherents healthy image life. But not everyone knows that not only the fruits themselves, but also the leaves and twigs of the pear tree can be beneficial. For example, the leaves can be dried and made into tea in winter. This drink activates the body’s defenses and prevents colds and pathogenic viruses from weakening the immune system. Tea made from pear leaves helps remove sand from the kidneys.
To achieve a therapeutic effect, this drink should be consumed regularly. Young leaves of the pear tree have pronounced anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. A decoction of pear leaves is effective in treating various diseases (including rheumatism), and dried leaves of this fruit tree help cope with the problem of excessive sweating.
Pear contains “magical” substances called flavonoids. They are acids plant origin and, in fact, are a powerful natural antioxidant, which, after entering the human body, acquires a whole set useful qualities:
- helps strengthen blood vessels;
- relieves swelling;
- strengthens the immune system, enhances the body's immune functions;
- suppresses any inflammation;
- normalizes hematopoietic processes.
The beneficial effects of flavonoids on physiological processes in the human body are truly impressive. But pears also contain other substances, microelements and vitamins, thanks to which many functions are improved and stabilized.
Vitamins and microelements, fetal calorie content
The composition of pear fruits is represented by the following components:
- Vitamins: A, B1,B2, B5, B9, E, P, C.
- Microelements:
- Essential oils. They are a good remedy for fighting inflammation and infections, strengthening the immune system and helping to cope with depression.
- Fructose. The component is present in abundance in pear fruits, has a positive effect on the functioning of the pancreas and therefore makes the fruit useful for people with diabetes.
- Organic components help improve digestion, improve the functioning of the intestines and digestive system, and normalize metabolism.
- Fiber - lowers cholesterol and gives a feeling of fullness. Plant fiber fibers have a stimulating effect on gallbladder, promote the release of bile and are therefore useful for various diseases liver.
- Tannins, which pears are also rich in, are an excellent remedy for diarrhea.
Pears break all records in terms of the amount of folic acid. They contain even more of this substance than black currants. Interestingly, in ripe pear fruits, about 97% is pulp, and the skin and seeds account for only 3%. These fruits are called natural antibiotics. Their tender pulp contains many organic acids, carbohydrates, tannins, enzymes, phytoncides, and some starch.
Pears are widely used in official and folk medicine. But in order for the fruit to really benefit the body, it must be consumed correctly. Below are 5 simple rules that will help you get maximum benefit from pear fruits.
- Don't eat pears on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Do not eat fruit immediately after meals (especially after meat and other “heavy” protein foods). The pear should be eaten some time after eating (no earlier than 30 minutes).
- Do not drink them with water, this will provoke fermentation processes in the intestines.
- Do not eat pears if you have aggravated diseases of the digestive system.
- Give preference to ripe, but not overripe fruits.
Pear is an excellent product for those who are on a weight loss diet. This fruit is known for its low calorie content. 100 g of aromatic fruit contains only 10.7 g of carbohydrates, 0.3 g of fat, 0.4 g of protein and 45-50 kilocalories, 85 g of water, 9.8 monosaccharides and disaccharides.
The fruits have one amazing property - they completely retain all the beneficial substances after heat treatment. That is why you can make various preparations for the winter from them (cook, dry, make preserves, jams, compotes from them).
Pear trees are divided into 2 categories - garden and forest (wild). Wild pears contain a special component, arbutin, which is often called a natural antioxidant.
Forest pears are used to prepare decoctions that help with high temperature. In folk medicine, “wild” is considered an excellent remedy for prostatitis. In order to prevent this pathology, men who have crossed the 50-year mark of life are recommended to drink compote from pears growing in the forest. To prepare it, dried fruits are taken from dried pears, prepared in advance during the harvest period. The same drink helps cope with colds, has an analgesic and diuretic effect, is considered an excellent antitussive and expectorant, and provides a powerful therapeutic effect for pulmonary tuberculosis and bronchitis. When considering the question of what the benefits and harms of pears are, special attention should be paid to the effect of the fruit on the body of men, women and children.
How does pear affect the male body?
Pear fruits demonstrate high effectiveness in the fight against premature baldness in men (alopecia). To prepare a healing composition from them, take pear pulp (3 tablespoons), mix with honey and burdock oil (1 tablespoon of each component), add 3 drops of essential juniper oil. The prepared composition is rubbed into the epithelium and hair follicles, left for 30 minutes, and then washed off with warm water.
Fragrant and ruddy fruits are often called “male” fruits, because their regular consumption increases potency in males. To achieve a therapeutic effect, a man needs to eat 2-3 ripe fruits a day. Athletes and people doing heavy physical work should include the same amount of fruit in their daily diet.
Benefits of pear for women
The fruits contain folic acid, which is incredibly beneficial for pregnant women. It prevents the development of pathologies of the nervous system in newborn babies, promotes normal cell renewal and division. Pears contain plant fibers that normalize intestinal function and help eliminate constipation (a problem that often occurs in women during the prenatal period).
This fruit contains copper and a large number of vitamin C. Thanks to these components, pear fruits become an excellent preventative against cancer in females over 40 years of age. The trace elements and vitamins that pears are rich in protect the cells of the female body from damage by free radicals (they are the ones that lead to the development of malignant tumors). Pears also contain vitamin E, which is also called the vitamin of female beauty. It slows down skin aging, has a beneficial effect on the condition of women's nails and hair, strengthens them and activates growth.
This same useful component is directly involved in the formation of female hormonal levels, improves ovulation and, of course, promotes weight loss. Pear extract is included in cosmetic masks and creams. The ingredient has a good effect on the skin of the face, restores its healthy color, increases elasticity and firmness, and in the long term helps to cope with large wrinkles.
The juicy fruit helps women eliminate the unpleasant consequences of menopause, improves their mood, and gives a boost of energy. Eating pears along with rowan and cranberries helps with cystitis. This combination of components gives a powerful diuretic effect.
Pear pulp is an excellent tool for making masks.
- To restore your face to a fresh and healthy look, make a mask of pear pulp with the addition of cinnamon (1 pinch) and honey (1 tsp). Apply it to your skin 1 or 2 times a week.
- A mask made from pear pulp (2 tsp) mixed with 3-4 drops of hydrogen peroxide will help remove acne on the face.
Pear face masks provide an excellent lifting effect, relieve inflammation and swelling of the skin, and help cope with acne. If you grind boiled pears together with their seeds into a puree, they will also give a scrub effect and help remove dead skin cells. Pear masks should not be applied to sensitive skin that has abrasions and scratches.
The effect of pear fruits on the children's body
Pear - favorite and healthy fruit not only for adults, but also for children. The aromatic and sweet fruit does not contain allergic components, so it can be introduced into the diet of babies up to one year old.
Pear juice is approved for consumption by children from 4 months, and healthy pear puree is included in the diet of infants from 6 months. An abundance of vitamins and microelements will definitely benefit a growing child's body. In addition, pears are much easier to digest compared to apples. If the baby’s body is prone to allergic manifestations, pear should be introduced into the diet carefully, even despite the hypoallergenic nature of the fruit. It may contain some allergic enzymes, so initially it is recommended to give the baby a minimum amount of pear juice or puree, gradually increasing the portions. First, use baked pears as complementary food. Heat treatment in the oven will destroy allergic enzymes if the fruit pulp contains them.
Dried pears can be used to prepare a decoction that will help with digestive disorders, colds and fever in a child. A pear drink will bring more benefits to a child’s body if it is alternated with drinking an oat-based decoction. Pear seeds are an excellent anthelmintic for children and help with children's diarrhea. Healing pear fruits increase the protective functions of a small organism against viral infections and strengthen the immune system.
The healing power of pears, what diseases will these fruits help you cope with?
Pear is one of those foods that can and should be included in the diet of people with diabetes. Its sweetness is provided by a large amount of plant sugar - fructose. To process this component, a diabetic's body will not need too much insulin. Freshly squeezed pear juice, diluted 1:1 with boiled cool water, helps lower high blood sugar levels to normal levels.
Pears are also useful for prostatitis. It is recommended that men with this problem consume fruits regularly, and it is desirable that the fruits be different varieties. An improvement in the condition is noted within a few days after starting the pear diet. If prostatitis is chronic, during exacerbation of the disease, doctors advise men to drink compote made from dried pears. The drink has a diuretic effect on the body and increases blood circulation in the pelvic organs.
If a person suffers from urolithiasis, wild pears must be present in his daily menu. You need to eat 2 wild pears a day. You can also prepare a healing compote without sugar from them.
An infusion of pears steamed with boiling water in a thermos is an excellent remedy for the treatment and prevention of adenoma. The infusion is usually prepared overnight, and in the morning take a quarter glass four times a day.
If you suffer from stomach pain or heartburn in the morning, to eliminate unpleasant symptoms you need to eat 2 pears. Drug treatment Cystitis can be supplemented by eating fruits baked in the oven.
Decoctions of dried pear are good for coughs and high fevers. Dry pear, from which a decoction is prepared, will help get rid of diarrhea as quickly as possible. To make a medicinal decoction, take 100 g of dried fruit from a garden pear, add 1 liter of water and boil over medium heat. The decoction is made for 30 minutes, then infused for about 2 hours. Throughout the day, you need to drink this composition three times, 0.5 cups each.
Areas of application of pear fruits
The healing properties of pears are used in a variety of areas of human life. Fruits retain their beneficial properties in any form and even after heat treatment, so they are widely used in medicine, dietetics, cooking and cosmetology.
Pear as a cosmetic product is included in masks, lotions, scrubs, and creams. Manufacturers of anti-aging cosmetics include this component in their products.
Pear extracts help restore skin elasticity, restore its elasticity and healthy color, make it incredibly smooth and velvety, and tighten pores well. Pear-based masks help get rid of inflammation and acne, and the crushed fruits act as a scrub, whiten the skin, tone and refresh it. Pear juice can be rubbed into the hair follicles of the head to eliminate the problem of dandruff.
Low calorie content and a large amount of plant fiber in the composition make the pear popular and useful product in dietetics. The fruit nourishes the body well, helps eliminate waste, toxins and cholesterol. Sweet fruits are recommended to be consumed during the diet, as they are rich in vitamins and minerals and help compensate for the lack of these components in the body.
Sweet fruits also find their use in the field of medicine. Pear fruits create a powerful counteraction to infectious, chronic and inflammatory diseases, help the body get rid of waste, heavy metals, toxins, and increase and strengthen the immune system. Such characteristics of the fruit allow it to be used for therapeutic purposes, for the treatment of diseases of the intestines, stomach, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Pears will help get rid of colds, normalize the condition diabetes mellitus. Regular consumption of this fruit will be beneficial for people constantly exposed to stress and depression, suffering from chronic fatigue. Those who subject their bodies to heavy physical activity or suffer from loss of appetite should add pears to their menu.
In cooking, fresh fruits are used to make juices, jams, compotes, marmalade, desserts, salads and snacks. The fruit is popular in many world cuisines and goes well with fish. Pears can be dried, boiled, canned, baked, or used raw.
10 interesting facts about pears
Pear fruits have some characteristics and features that you may not have realized.
- Helper in the fight against colon cancer. Pears in combination with ginger are an excellent preventative against cancer pathologies in the intestines.
- Hangover liquidator. If you drink just 1 glass of pear juice before the holiday with alcoholic libations, you will not be tormented by a hangover the next morning.
- Source of vitamins. One pear contains 10% of the daily value of vitamin C, and 14% of the daily value of vitamins K.
- Febrifuge. It is recommended to consume fresh fruits and products made from them (jam, juices) when you have a cold to bring down a high fever.
- Fights cholesterol and toxins. Pears contain pectins, which block harmful substances in the intestines and remove them during bowel movements.
- The best remedy for wound healing. To speed up the healing process, you need to drink a decoction made from dried pear fruits.
- A good remedy for relieving swelling and normalizing thyroid function. An important trace element of pear pulp is cobalt, which has a positive effect on the human nervous system and its activity. Cobalt regulates hematopoietic processes, helps eliminate edema, and normalizes the functioning of the liver and thyroid gland. 100 g of raw material contains daily norm of this substance.
- An excellent medicine against dermatitis and fungal skin diseases. In the fight against dermatological pathologies of the skin, not only the fruits, but also the leaves and branches of the pear tree help well. Helps eliminate skin problems useful decoction or tea from pear branches, as well as an infusion of young leaves.
- One of the best fruits to fight colds and coughs. Pear jam, as well as baked fruits, cope well with coughs and colds, and effectively eliminate asthma attacks.
- Pear is a healthy and suitable fruit for women. Regular consumption of its fruits normalizes the menstrual cycle, slows down the onset of menopause, and eliminates menstrual pain.
Healthy pear recipes
Food products made from pears amaze with their variety and unsurpassed taste. We offer readers several good recipes with the addition of aromatic fruit.
Pears in their own juice
For the winter, you can make a preparation of pears in their own juice. To prepare the canned treat, prepare the following set of ingredients:
- pears;
- 1 liter of water;
- citric acid (4 g);
- granulated sugar (2 tbsp.).
Select ripe and fairly hard pear fruits, wash them well, peel them and cut into large slices. Place the prepared fruit slices in sterilized jars up to the shoulders. Pour into each jar citric acid and sugar (the dosage of these ingredients per 1 liter jar is presented above). Next, place the jars in boiling water and sterilize them. Sterilization time depends on the volume of the jar:
- 0.5 l - 15 minutes;
- 1 l - 20-25 minutes;
- 2 l - 35-40 minutes.
At the end of sterilization, roll up jars of pears in their own juice with metal lids. Turn them upside down, wrap them well and leave them like that until they cool completely.
Preparing pear juice
Prepare vitamin and healthy juice according to the following recipe.
- Prepare the necessary ingredients: pears (2-3 kg) and sugar (1 kg) (you can replace sugar with honey in the amount of 300 g).
- Wash and dry the fruits.
- Cut into small cubes.
- Squeeze them through a juicer or boil the raw materials in a juicer.
- Strain the vitamin drink through gauze folded in several layers.
- If the juice is unsweetened, add a little sugar or honey to it to taste.
- Pour the prepared juice into jars and heat in a water bath for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll up the jars and place them in a cool, dry place for storage.
If it is not possible to pass the crushed fruits through a juicer, use a meat grinder.
Pie with pears
To make pear pie, prepare the following set of ingredients:
- corn and wheat flour (1 tbsp each);
- 1 cup cream 35% fat;
- wheat flour for making dough (175 g);
- 2 pears;
- 2 eggs;
- cold water;
- 100 g margarine;
- 100 g sugar.
Cut the margarine into cubes, mix it with egg yolk, flour (175 g), water and sugar (50 g). Roll out the finished dough into a thin layer and bake it in the oven for 20 minutes at 180 degrees. Peel the fruits, remove seeds and cores, then cut them into slices. Place the fruit on the baked crust, sprinkle with cornmeal, and top it all with a well-beaten mixture of sugar, eggs, cream and wheat flour.
Bake the pear pie for 25 minutes, setting the oven temperature at 200 degrees.
Pear dessert with cottage cheese
To prepare this dish, prepare the following ingredients:
- 3-4 pears;
- 3 tablespoons sour cream;
- 100 g cottage cheese;
- 0.5 cups of pear juice;
- 3 tablespoons of sugar.
Cut the fruit into 4 slices and place them on a plate. Thoroughly mix sour cream with cottage cheese and sugar to form a homogeneous mass. Spread the curd mixture onto each pear slice. The dish is ready.
Salad with pear and cheese
To prepare a salad with pear and cheese, you need the following set of products:
- 100 g bacon;
- 50 g cheese;
- 1 pear;
- 1 salad onion;
- 1 tablespoon cream;
- 1 bunch of lettuce leaves;
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Chop the lettuce leaves and place them on a wide dish. Place bacon, onion and pear slices fried on both sides on top. Prepare the sauce by mixing cream with finely chopped cheese and heating the mixture over a fire until the pieces of cheese are completely melted. Pour this mixture over the salad, adding pepper and salt to taste.
Winter preparations are made from fruits, young twigs and shoots, and leaves. Each type of raw material is harvested during a certain period of the growing season of pear trees, as they ripen.
- Young shoots are collected from April to May, when the time of budding comes and the leaves bloom.
- In May - June, leaves and flowers are collected.
- June - August is the time to collect fruits of summer varieties.
- The autumn varieties are harvested in September.
- At the beginning of October, winter pear varieties are removed from the branches. They can be stored fresh for up to eight months.
Summer and autumn varieties are ideal for creating dried fruits and preserving. You can use them to cook compotes, make jam, make juices, jams, and jelly. The most useful are dried pears, which are collected at the moment when the ripening period is just beginning. Before drying, fruits are washed, but not peeled. It is recommended to cut large fruits into slices or halves.
Before drying pears, they should be treated with heat (immerse in boiling water for a few minutes). You can add lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon to the water. Drying is carried out in the shade, under the sun, for 2-3 days. Then the fruits are placed in a room with good ventilation and dried there. Before drying, the fruits are strung on a strong thread. You can dry sun-dried fruits in the oven at a temperature of 55-60 C. In the future, it is recommended to steam the dried pears before consuming them in winter. This treatment will make them tastier and softer.
This is interesting! Useful properties and taste qualities winter varieties of pears are practically in no way inferior to the similar characteristics of summer and autumn varieties. During storage, the stony fibers inside the fruit ripen, the pulp becomes sweeter, the taste of the fruit improves, and tannin components disappear from the pulp.
Long-term storage is better tolerated by dried and undamaged fruits. It is recommended to store fruits in wooden boxes with slots. The fruits are placed in them in such a way that the stalk is at the top, and the pears themselves do not touch each other.
To fulfill the last requirement, the fruits are separated using parchment paper or sawdust. Special requirements apply to the premises in which dried pears are stored. It should not be too hot, the room should be dry and well ventilated.
Harm and contraindications
Eating fresh pears has some contraindications. In some cases, this fruit can be harmful to the human body. Pears should not be eaten in the following cases:
- ulcer or gastritis (with such diseases you should not eat fresh pears; it is better to give preference to boiled or baked fruits);
- in old age (fresh fruits are too “heavy” for the digestive system of older people);
- for pathologies of the central nervous system (patients with such a problem should not eat sour and tart varieties of pears);
- in case of individual intolerance to the components of the aromatic fruit;
- exacerbation of diseases of the stomach, intestines and central nervous system.
Remember that excessive consumption of fresh pears can be harmful to the body.
It is enough to eat 2-3 pears a day. These fruits have a pronounced diuretic effect, so eating them on an empty stomach, along with water or fatty meat, often provokes the development of water-salt imbalance. Harm to the human body can be caused by both unripe and overripe fruits. Overripe ones are filled with high concentrations of lactic acid, to which acetaldehydes are mixed. Components in this combination, after entering the human body, lead to digestive disorders. Unripe fruits contain a lot of wood cellulose, which leads to heaviness in the stomach. Unripe pear fruits must undergo heat treatment before consumption.
