Another fruit that right now is plentiful and relatively inexpensive are pears. I love pears and not only because of their flavor and juiciness (is that even a word?), but also because they bring me a lot of good memories from my childhood. Other reasons to love this “gift of the gods”, according to the Greek poet Homer, are its health benefits.
Cultivation of pears has been traced back in western Asia for three thousand years. However, there is some speculation that its history goes back even further placing its discovery by people in the Stone Age. Pears are members of the rose family and related to the apple and the quince.
Pears are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, E1, copper and potassium. Vitamin C and copper are nutrients that can be thought of as antioxidant nutrients that help protect cells in the body from oxygen-related damage due to free radicals. Fiber on pears promotes cardiovascular and colon health. It reduces high cholesterol levels and binds to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon, preventing them from damaging colon cells. Studies in women have also shown that a diet rich in fibers helps to prevent against postmenopausal breast cancer.
Furthermore, eating 3 or more servings of fruit per day may lower your risk of age-related macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in older adults, by 36%, compared to persons who consume less than 1.5 servings of fruit daily. Adding pears to your cereal, yogurt, salads and entrees is a good way to increase your daily intake of fruit.
I personally love a pear sauce that I copied from a TV show in Mexico several years ago. I posted this recipe almost 2 years ago, but, since I love it so much, I decided to take more pictures of it and revisit it. This time, however, I used pork chops instead of chicken breasts. The result was delicious, as usual, because the secret is in the sauce.
¡Buen provecho!
Sources for this post:
This is my entry for this week’s Weekend Herb Blogging hosted by Anh of Food Lover’s Journey.
24 Replies
Looks great! I love pears and use them a lot in more savory dishes… you should check out my pear-thyme-chicken sandwich (http://www.justgetfloury.com/?p=8).
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 9:13 am
That picture is absolutely stunning!
Cheers,
Rosa
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
The first photo just kills me, Ben. WOW. To fall in love with pears all over again just with a picture!
I've never thought of making a pear sauce, but I'll keep that in mind next time I get some fruits.
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I followed the link to check out the pear sauce and it sounds delicious. Love the idea of adding the chipolte for a little heat. What do you think about a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime before serving?
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Oh that sounds good! Just what I need for lunch
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
You know, Joan, I had never thought about that. But now I am intrigued. I have some leftover sauce and I will be doing that when I eat it for lunch tomorrow. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Sounds like a terrific dish! I adore pears, thanks for reminding me that they are already in season!
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
This is how we first met Ben when I made your chicken dish for Taste & Create. I am sure it is as delicious as ever and would be excellent with pork as well:D
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
The pork chops look delicioso. As for pears, I've been buying them by the bag loads lately. They're ripe and delicious. Can't get enough of them. Your photos are fantastic, as always.
Posted on August 13th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Fantastic photos Ben. I can almost see you get better with every single picture that you post! Love it. The pears look great and the idea of that pearsauce… mmm
Posted on August 14th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Pears are one of my favourite fruits, I love the idea of combining it with pork. Looks delicious!
Posted on August 15th, 2009 at 9:37 am
You are a true artist.
Posted on August 15th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
The photo is amazing. I also just adore pears. They will be peaking here a bit later, though – they've just started to appear at the market.
Posted on August 15th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Your blog is FANTASTIC! Glad I saw it. I look forward to visit it more often from now on. Keep up the great work!
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Love this post, I am blogging about pears next week so I found it very useful and relevant. Pretty pear photo at the top!
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 10:28 am
YES! I remembered that and I was thinking about you while writing this post. Great memories
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Thanks a lot. That means a lot coming from such a great photographer as yourself
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I would debate that, but thanks my friend
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I am glad you found it useful. Please let me know when you publish your post so I can read it
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
My first visit to your site and I love it Ben! Your photos are stunning and I just love how everything here fits together! I'm off to read up on your other delicious posts
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I love this!!! Thanks for sharing your love for pears with us!
Posted on August 16th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Now this is a dish i'll try out in a heart beat!
Posted on September 15th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Now this is a dish i'll try out in a heart beat!
Posted on September 15th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
You know what i'll try this tonight i'll comment back with the results
Posted on September 15th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
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