Our February Fruit of the Month, Columbia Red Pears, are abundantly juicy and sweet. These pears are a healthy staple in your daily diet! Today’s blog post will cover their health benefits, tips for choosing a ripe pear, and a few of our favorite pear recipes!
What are the Health Benefits of Columbia Red Pears?
Each bite of a pear supplies a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. The skin of a pear is full of antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage. Another benefit is the high amounts of fiber found within the fruit. One medium pear contains around 30 grams of fiber which assists with feeling full longer and keeps your digestive health on-point! Pears are heart-healthy and can also help to control high blood pressure.
Choosing a Ripe Pear
Finding a ripe pear to enjoy takes a careful eye. If the pear is not ripe enough, it can be crunchy and if it’s too ripe, pears can become mushy. The key to finding the perfect pear is to “check the neck”.
When purchasing your pears, keep in mind when you plan on consuming them. If you are planning on eating your pears that day, find a pear that gives slightly when you press against the neck (the area right below the stem). Ensure that the pear does not have any soft spots elsewhere as this is a sign that it may be overripe.
If you are interested in consuming the pear in a few days, choose a pear that is still firm when you press against the neck. Left to ripen, it should be ready to eat in a few days. One way to speed up the ripening process, is to place your pear in a paper bag with a banana. Bananas give off a certain gas which speeds up the pear’s ripening process.
Purchasing Columbia Red Pears from The Fruit Company is a great way to ensure the quality of the pears. For the month of February, we are offering this juicy fruit at 10% off.
Our Favorite Pear Recipes
We love utilizing pears in smoothies, salads, breads and more. You can also enjoy pears sliced and right off the tree. Here are a few of our favorite recipes using Columbia Red Pears:
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