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What Vitamins Are Found in Pears?

Eating two pears per day provides the recommended daily fruit intake for adults, according to the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans," published jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. Pears are available year round in grocery stores and come in many varieties. Each variety is sweet, tasty and nutritious and contains only 100 calories. Pears are delicious fresh as a snack or prepared in salads, desserts and main dishes.

  1. History

    • Pears are an ancient fruit, having been cultivated 7,000 years ago by Feng Li, a Chinese diplomat. Homer mentions pears in his epic poem "The Odyssey," and the Roman goddess of fruit, Pomona, is said to have grown pears. Pears frequently appear in the works of Renaissance masters and were cultivated in Europe in the 17th century. A "pear tree" is mentioned in one of the world's most beloved Christmas carols, "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

    Types of Pears

    • The most common pears sold in grocery stores are Yellow Bartlett, Green Anjou and Bosc. Yellow Bartlett pears change from green to yellow as they ripen and are very juicy and sweet. Green Anjou pears stay green but soften when they are ripe. They are sweetest when ripe. Bosc pears have brown skin that does not change color. They are highly aromatic and fairly sweet but are firmer and less juicy than other pears. There are several other species of pear that can be purchased from time to time at fruit stands or grocery stores, especially in the northwestern United States, where most pears are grown. These include the Red Bartlett, Comice, Forelle, Red Anjou, Concorde and Seckel. All varieties are equally nutritious.

    Nutritional Value

    • Raw pears are very high in fiber. One medium-sized pear provides 6 grams of soluble fiber, or 24 percent of the recommended daily allowance per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A pear also contains 7 milligrams of vitamin C, or 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance; 38 IU (international units) of vitamin A; and 1 gram of protein. In addition, a pear contains 190 milligrams of potassium, or 5 percent of the recommended daily allowance. There are also 26 net grams of healthy carbohydrates in a pear, and it has a low glycemic load. Pears contain no sodium, saturated fat or cholesterol, making them a great choice for healthy eaters. The peel of a pear contains fiber and phytonutrients.

    Checking for Ripeness

    • Pears ripen after they are harvested. Check a pear for ripeness by gently pressing your thumb near its stem. If your thumb dents the pear, it is ripe and ready to eat. Do not wait until a pear is soft around its middle as this likely indicates overripeness. To speed up the ripening process, place pears in a paper bag. Refrigerating pears will slow down the ripening process.

    Tips

    • Avoid purchasing pears with soft spots or bruises, and always wash pears before eating or using in recipes. Ripe pears can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days. Pears should be stored separately from celery, cabbage, onions, potatoes and carrots as they can absorb their odors.

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