❶ They help prevent diabetes. Red pears contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant that can help reduce insulin resistance, a risk factor for developing diabetes. Studies from Harvard University found that people who consume greater amounts of anthocyanin-rich foods have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

❷ They're full of fibre. Pears are noteworthy because they contain both soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol levels, and insoluble fibre, which promotes regularity. One pear has six grams of fibre, or about 20 percent of your daily recommended intake.

❸ They're ready when you are. Pears continue to ripen after being harvested, but they keep well in the crisper because refrigeration delays the ripening process. A few days before you're ready to eat one, leave it at room temperature. It's ripe when the neck gives to gentle thumb pressure.

Pick a Perfect Pear

🍐 Choose firm ripe pears because they keep their shape after cooking and yield best results.

🍐If pears are not completely ripe, you can hasten the process by storing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a few days. Or set them out in a fruit bowl along with apples or bananas.

🍐Refrigerate ripe pears to slow further ripening. Once refrigerated they will generally keep for 3 to 5 days.

🍐To check for ripeness, pear should give to gentle pressure when pressed near stem. If you wait until pear is soft around middle, it will probably be overripe.

Varieties and Descriptions

Bartlett

•Clear yellow, blemish-free skin 

•Juicy, sweet and with fine-grained smooth-textured flesh

•Great for eating fresh, poaching, canning or cooking 

Available from late August to November

Anjou

•Light green skin with slight yellow tinge

•Naturally sweet and keeps well

•Excellent for eating fresh and cooking

Available from late September to March

Bosc

•Golden brown when ripe

•Full-bodied flavour

•Remain firm and keep shape after cooking

•Excellent for eating fresh, poaching or roasting

Available from September to January