The pear is a great source of fiber

The pear is fat free.

Pears are a good option for getting Vitamin C requirements.

The average potassium in pears is close to 200 mg.

This fruit is nutrient dense which simply means it is mostly fiber and water and keeps us feeling full longer. It also means that there are some important vitamins and minerals provided by this fruit.

For more nutritional information about pears, here is a good source.

Pear Options:

This time of year, May and early June, two kinds of pears are in season. 

Anjou:  This pear is available from  September to May.  It is green and also can come in a red skinned variety.  It is best for cooking as it imparts a very citrus to tart flavor. The texture is some what gritty on the tongue. 

There is another option coming available in July.

Red Bartlett:  This pear peaks between July and November.  It is red skinned, sweet, smooth on the tongue and has a juicy flesh.

Other pears available in the Fall: 

Bartlett = green skin best for eating but can be used in baking. 

Bosc = A brown skin with white flesh. Firm, crisp, spicy sweet, and will not turn to pulp when baked or cooked.

Comice, Seckel, Forelle, and Concorde are all available in the cooler months of the year.

You can buy a variety of good quality pears from Price Chopper on Commercial Drive in New Hartford. The store also offers recipe suggestions.

In the meantime, here is a healthy Flourless Vegan Cookie recipe using the Bosc Pear.  The original recipe is available from Bob's Red Mill however, that recipe uses dried, soaked fruit instead of fresh pears.

FLOUR LESS TAHINI COOKIES WITH FRESH PEAR – makes 2 dozen cookies

*The changes are noted below from Bob’s Red Mill recipe

• 3/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)  *BRM recipe used 1 cup
• 3/4 cup clover honey *BRM recipe used 1 cup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 peeled, chopped fresh Bosc Pear *BRM recipe used 1/2 cup chopped mix dried fruit, soaked and drained.
• 3 cups GLUTEN FREE Quick cooking rolled oats – Bob’s Red Mill brand of course
• *BRM added 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds, chopped – Apple Crumbles did not add these.

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a bowl, combine the tahini, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and pears (or soaked fruit).  Add the oats (and nuts and seeds if you are using) and blend well. 

Wet hands and form the mixture into small balls and place on cookie sheet. You will be able to roll about 4 balls before you have to re-wet your hands.  Flatten slightly onto cookie sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly brown.

So Good!