Mid-day Snack: Asian Pears

Looking to spruce up your day with a refreshing mid-day snack? Want to try something different? How about Asian Pears? The market on campus near my dorm sells perfect asian pears. I'm not sure how or where they're getting them from, but they are some of the largest ones I have ever seen. I couldn't eat a whole one in one sitting, for lunch. No joke! This thing was enormous, I could barely hold it in one hand! I've included some pictures so you'll believe me.

Keep in mind this is only a half of the pear! 

Anyway, asian pears are actually pears, although they more closely resemble an apple. They are crunchy, juicy, crisp and a bit grainy. They sometimes have more of an earthy taste that comes from their brownish skin, which is rougher than the more common European pear species (with a typical "pear" shape). They also have a rounder shape than the European pears.  You might easily spot them wrapped in a foam cushion in order to keep them from bruising. They are ripe when hard - most likely right when you buy them, but can keep for several months in a fridge.




The "Hosui" here is the asian pear



There are different varieties of asian pears and the one that I'm talking about would be the pyrus pyrifolia also known by Japanese pear, nashi, Taiwan pear, apple pear, Korean pear, or sand pear. When choosing an asian pear, you want a firm one with a small amount of brown spots. Remember, they are ready to eat when purchased, you want that hard crunchy feel to them. These pears are sometimes used in soy sauces and vinegars as a sweetener. They can also be incorporated into a marinade. So what are the benefits of eating an asian pear besides the taste and crunchiness? Well, 1 medium pear is only 50 calories and gives you 4 grams (14% DV) of dietary fiber, not bad for a snack. There's also some vitamin C in there and a small amount of iron. So whether you just want a nice change of fruit, or are looking to incorporate them into your meals (great in salads) try an asian pear next time you visit the grocery store.

Happy snacking!

Stephanie, WWT