The best ways to enjoy the health benefits of pears

Called the butter fruit by many Europeans in reference to its smooth texture, a pear makes an ideal snack, dessert or even a sweet or spicy side dish. Here the best ways to enjoy the health benefits of pears.

• One medium-size (170 gram or six ounce) pear has about 100 calories and provides about five grams of fibre.
• There are two kinds of fibre in pears: pectin, a soluble fibre that helps control blood cholesterol levels, and cellulose, an insoluble fibre that promotes normal bowel function.
• Pears also have useful amounts of vitamin C, folate and potassium.
• The peels of pears contain high amounts of phenolic phytonutrients, which are rich in antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory.
• The pear's skin contains around half of the pear's total fibre content.

• Dried pears provide a more concentrated form of calories and nutrients than fresh pears. Their high sugar content and sticky texture may promote tooth decay.
• Most dried pears also contain sulphites, which can provoke asthma or an allergic response in susceptible individuals.
• Canned pears lose most of their vitamin C due to the combined effect of peeling and heating.
• Canned pears are also higher in calories, especially if they are packed in heavy syrup.
• Pears are a delicious treat when served fresh, but they can also be baked, poached or sautéed.

While there are hundreds of varieties of pears in North America, four types predominate:

• Anjou, a juicy, oval-shaped winter pear that has a yellowish green skin.
• Bartlett, a summer pear that is eaten fresh or canned.
• Bosc, a slender necked pear with a firm, crunchy texture that makes it ideal for baking and poaching.
• Comice, a green-skinned variety that is considered the sweetest and tastiest winter pear.