Ripe pears

Description

Ripe pears have a sweet, slightly milky flavor with a hint of honey and a creamy, sometimes grainy texture; the skin can be greenish-yellow with a blush or reddish coating, and the fruit is soft at the neck, juicy, and aromatic. They are a source of fiber (mainly pectin), vitamin C, K, and potassium, low in calories and rich in antioxidants, which supports digestion, regulates appetite, positively affects gut microbiota, and helps control blood sugar levels. In the kitchen, they are suitable both raw in salads and desserts, as well as for baking, stewing, or preserving; they pair wonderfully with cheeses, nuts, honey, spices, and game and poultry. Store ripening pears at room temperature to allow them to ripen, and then in the refrigerator to prolong freshness; avoid stacking, use paper bags to speed up ripening, and keep them away from ethylene-sensitive vegetables.