Pears

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General details

The pear (Pyrus communis L) is native to the Middle East where it was originally cultivated, in Northern India, Afghanistan, Russia and China. Certain varieties of pears have arrived in Greece and have been improved. Around the year 850 BC. Hr. Homer wrote that in the gardens of Alcinous are grown fruits called “gift of the gods.” From Greece, the Romans spread them across Europe.

ORIGIN

em>Pyrus communis is a deciduous tree of the Rosaceae family that grows up to 10-20 m high and whose fruit is the pear. On average it lives 65 years, but in exceptional cases it may reach 400 years. It has a deep rooted woody gray trunk with cracked bark and oval leaves. Its flowers are white or pink with petals of 1.5 cm, and the fruit is edible. It grows in regions with moderate temperature and humidity, lasts well in the cold but dry warm summers prevent the fruit from maturing. The best climate is characterized by cold winters and moderately warm summers.

Currently there are about 3,000 varieties of pears organized in two categories: European and Asian. The largest pear growers in the world are Italy, China and the USA.

TYPES OF PEARS

  • Anjou

  • Bartlett

  • Bosc

  • Comice

  • Seckel

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The pear is not an acid fruit. 80% of its content is water. In addition to its fiber content that helps in the process of digestion, pears are healthy because of their content of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K and copper. All these substances protect cells in the body from the negative effects of free radicals. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and powers white blood cells to fight viruses. Copper helps protect the body by removing free radicals generated during the metabolism..Pears do not contain sodium or cholesterol. They have a low glycemic index, which means that their digestion takes place over a long period of time, thus resulting in a sustained source of energy during the day.

USAGE

The fibers found in pears not only prevent constipation but also control intestinal transit. The pear also lowers cholesterol through a very simple mechanism: colon fibers form connections with bile salts and carry them out of the body. Fibers also form connections with cancer-causing chemicals in the colon, preventing their destructive effect on cells. Pears are a quick and natural energy source, thanks to the high content of glucose and fructose. They have a cooling effect, a glass of pear juice is able to reduce fever. Containing boron – a substance that helps the body absorb calcium, it prevents osteoporosis. Furthermore, it contains folic acid, a substance essential for pregnant women.

SYMBOLISM

In Greek and Roman mythology it is sacred to three goddesses : Hera (Juno to the Romans), Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans), and Pomona, an Italian goddess of gardens and crops.

The ancient Chinese believed that the pear is a symbol of immortality. Also, the word “li” means both pear and separation, so as not to lose close people, they never shared a pear.

NUTRITIONAL CHART

Nutrients Carbohidrates Sugars Fibres Vit. B1 Vit. B2 Vit. B3 Vit. B5 Vit. B6 Vit. B9 Vit. C
Qty/100g 5,46g 9.08g 3.1g 0.012 mg 0.025 mg 0.157 mg 0.048mg 0.028 mg 0.007 mg 4.2 mg
Minerals Ca Fe Mg K

 

 P Zn        
Qty/100g 9 mg 0,17mg 7mg 119 mg 11mg 0.1 mg        

RECIPE

Raw vegan pear and banana cake

Ingredients

DOUGH

  • 1 cup cashews

  • ½ cup almonds

  • ½ cup walnuts

  • 20 dates

  • ½ cup hazelnuts

  • 100ml ½ cup currant syrup (or other sweetener)

  • 1 tablespoon psyllium bran

Crema

  • 2 banane foarte coapte

  • 1/2kg pere dulci

  • 1 lingură praf roşcove

  • 1 lingură tărâţe psyllium

  • ½ cană nuci

  • ½ 100ml cană sirop coacăze (sau alt îndulcitor)

Preparation

Put the nuts in water to hydrate.

After hydration, mix half of the nuts in a blender and blend them with the syrup.You should blend until you get the texture of cream. Finally, add the psyllium bran and mix until everything is homogeneous.

Grease a pan with a little oil or cocoa butter and spread with a spatula the cream obtained. Leave it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Mix the other half of the nuts with the bananas and the pears and put it on top of the refrigerated mixture.

BIBLIOGRAFIE