Welcome to our weekly series where we’ll let you know what fruit and vegetables are market fresh this week, give you handy storage tips and recipes to make the most of seasonal produce.
Lauded by the 8th-Century Greek poet Homer as ‘a gift of the Gods’, pears have been a favourite around the world for centuries.
It was only in the 18th Century, however, that the French and Belgians developed what we now know as the traditional European pear, with its juicy, slightly grainy flesh and signature shape.
Today, there are more than 5000 pear varieties grown around the world, but only a small percentage are produced commercially.
Pears are rich in nutrients and several beneficial plant compounds, they may also help promote weight loss and protect against certain chronic conditions.
They are especially rich in folate, vitamin C, copper and potassium, along with soluble and insoluble fibre which are essential for digestive health.
These sweet, bell-shaped fruit can be eaten crisp or soft – when buying look for firm, fragrant, unblemished fruit, gently press the neck near the stem to check for ripeness. A slight give indicates they are ready to eat.
Store pears at room temperature to ripen naturally, to speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana – these fruit release ethylene gas, which promotes ripening.
Once the pears are ripe, store them in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process and extend shelf life.
Freezing pears is a great way to preserve them for later use in recipes like sauces, desserts or smoothies.
For best results, freeze pears that are ripe but still firm. Peel and core them or leave the peel on, depending on future use.
Slice or dice the pears into pieces suitable for your intended use; to prevent browning dip the pears in a lemon juice solution of one part lemon to two parts water, or a fruit juice like apple.
Here are three easy ways to put pears on the family dinner plate this week:
For an easy weeknight dinner, give this braised sausages, pear and potato recipe a go. It's a hearty dish that turns snags into something wonderful.
Topped with creamy blue cheese and crunchy walnuts, this roasted pear and beetroot salad makes for a tasty side, starter or light meal.
Any dessert that involves a homemade butterscotch sauce, hot cross buns and cinnamon-coated apple and pears is bound to be scrumptious - and it is!
