Pears

By: Amelia Attwood, RD, LD

Have you had a chance to go pick fruit off a tree this season? Maybe you have already picked fruit off a grandparent’s or neighbor's tree this season. Or maybe you are looking to plan an annual visit to Apples on Avenue for a U-Pick occasion. However, you fill up your fruit bowl, be sure to fill it with apples and pears for seasonal inspiration.

There are 10 varieties of pears in the United States and over 2000 varieties in France.  Pears are high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system and aids in iron absorption. Dietary intake of potassium is essential for healthy muscles including our hearts.  Dietary fiber helps maintain regular bathroom habits and increases feelings of fullness after a meal or snack.

The producer of the pears featured at school this month are known as South Mound Orchard located in Sherrill, Iowa. They are a peach, apple, and pear orchard primarily. Their produce has been awarded several times at the Iowa State Fair including for the biggest apple of the year in August of 2022. That apple at that time weighed .74 pounds. Little did they know that just about a month later they would grow an even bigger apple. In September of 2022, their biggest apple ever weighed 1.3 pounds and was 4 ½ inches in diameter. Their produce commonly travels along the Iowa Food Hub routes. The Iowa Food Hub has been bringing healthy and locally grown food to schools in recent years.

Pears may be eaten fresh, but are also enjoyed poached, baked, or grilled. Most varieties hold up to cooking methods except for the Comice pear variety. For those with a sweet tooth, try caramelized pears for dessert from your oven at home.  At school this month fresh pears are being taste tested. Try turning this fresh snack into your next side dish by completing the recipe listed. If you are needing more simple produce recipes, checkout our Simply Seasonal database of five ingredients or less and five steps or less recipes.