Pearfection

I love pears, Matteo not so much. Made of 84% water, it’s always a good time to have a pear! And at just 100 calories, cholesterol, sodium, and fat free plus rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and copper, you can’t go wrong with pears! From simply eating it off the tree, to baking it with creamy goodness inside, a pear is the perfect pairing to any meal. Enjoy these facts and recipes that make the Pear =Pearfection.

Much Love, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝒶𝓂𝐢𝐞 シ

• Pears are a type of bell-shaped orchard fruit grown on trees and a relative of apples.
• Pears range in height and width depending on the variety.
• Pears come in a range of colors, including green, red, yellow, and brown.
• Inside, pears have an ivory flesh that’s juicy and slightly grainy.
• There are over 3000 varieties of pears worldwide.
• The majority of pears sold in the United States are grown on the west coast, mainly Oregon and Washington.
• The United States is one of the largest producers of pears in the world.
• A medium pear has about 100 calories.
• Although pears mature on the tree, they ripen best off the tree.
• A pear has around 8 mg of vitamin C (about 11 percent of your RDA), an antioxidant that lends a hand to cell repair and cell regeneration.
• In 2022, world production of pears was 26 million tonnes, led by China with 73% of the total (table).
•  About 48% of the Southern Hemisphere‘s pears are produced in the Patagonian valley of Río Negro in Argentina.
• Pears may be stored at room temperature until ripe. Pears are ripe when the flesh around the stem gives to gentle pressure. Ripe pears are optimally stored refrigerated, uncovered in a single layer, where they have a shelf life of 2 to 3 days.
• Pears ripen at room temperature. Ripening is accelerated by the gas ethylene^. If pears are placed next to bananas in a fruit bowl, the ethylene emitted by the banana causes the pears to ripen. Refrigeration will slow further ripening.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Pears

Serving Size:

8

Time:

30

Difficulty:

Easy

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears
• 1/2 blue cheese, crumbled
• Walnuts
• Honey

Directions

1. Cut pears in 1/2
2. Stuff with Crumbled Blue Cheese
3. Add Walnuts
4. Drizzle with honey
5. Bake at 190 degrees for 20 minutes or until pears are tender and cheese is bubbly

Southern Pear Salad

Serving Size:

8

Time:

10

Difficulty:

Easy

Ingredients

• 4 ripe pears (can use canned)
• Lettuce, used as a bed
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• Maraschino Cherries

Directions

1. Make a bed of lettuce (1-2 Pieces)
2. Cut pears in 1/2 and put on top of lettuce
3. Add a dollop of mayo in center
4. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese
5. Top with Cherry

Pear & Clementine Rum Cocktail

Serving Size:

2

Time:

10

Difficulty:

Easy

• 1 pear, cut into chunks
• 2 clementines, peeled, segmented and zested
• 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• 1⁄4 cup white rum
• 1⁄8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes, to serve
• 1 cup tonic water
• Fresh thyme, to garnish

Directions

1. In a glass, add the pear and clementine. Muddle to extract juices, then strain juices into two glasses. Discard muddled pieces.
2. In a measuring glass, add the simple syrup, rum and extract. Divide mixture equally into the glasses and stir to combine.
3. Add ice cubes and top with tonic water. Garnish with fresh thyme and clementine zest. Serve and refrigerate leftovers.