Pears
Pears (Pyrus)
Pears (Pronunciation: /peər/, Etymology: Middle English pere, from Old English peru, from Latin pirum) are a type of fruit produced and consumed around the world, growing on a tree and harvested in late Summer into October. The pear tree and shrub are a species of genus Pyrus, in the family Rosaceae, bearing this pome fruit.
Description
The pear tree is a medium-sized tree, reaching 10–17 meters tall, often with a tall, narrow crown. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple, 2–12 cm long, glossy green on some species, others have a blue-gray color. The flowers are white, rarely tinted yellow or pink, 2–4 cm diameter, and have five petals.
The pear fruit is a pome, its size and shape varying widely among the different species and cultivars, from small, almost spherical, to large and elongated, with a 'neck'. Pears are consumed fresh, canned, as juice, and dried. The juice can also be used in jellies and jams, usually in combination with other fruits, including berries.
Varieties
There are thousands of varieties of pears, each with its unique characteristics. Some of the most popular include the Bartlett pear, Anjou pear, Bosc pear, and Comice pear.
Health Benefits
Pears are rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber and pack all of these nutrients in a fat-free, cholesterol-free, 100-calorie package. Consuming pears may help with weight loss and reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease if eaten as part of an overall healthy diet.
History
The cultivation of the pear in cool temperate climates extends to the remotest antiquity, and evidence exists of its use as a food since prehistoric times. Many traces of it have been found in prehistoric pile dwellings around Lake Zurich.
See Also
References
External Links
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pears
- Wikipedia's article - Pears
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