Pear (Latin Pуrus) - fruit tree of the family pink, in cooking refers to fruits. It is distributed practically throughout Europe, with the exception of the northern regions. There are many varieties and types of pear trees; The taste and chemical composition of its fruits largely depends on the variety and the region of growth of the tree.
Composition of pears
Pear fruits, or simply pears, contain many valuable substances. In the pulp it is: natural sugars (glucose and fructose), tannins, organic acids, nitrogenous substances, fiber and natural fibers, ashes, vitamins C, A and B1. Seeds contain essential oil. The content of sugar in the pear is slightly lower than in apples, but it has a softer and sweet taste, which is due to less acid in the composition. Fruits are rich in antioxidants, phytoncides and biologically active substances, thanks to which they find application in folk medicine.
Pears - a product of the highest dietary value, the energy value is only 42 kcal per 100 grams, so they are recommended to use diabetics.
Beneficial features
Useful properties of pears are not only fresh - most of the characteristics are preserved when they are dried, make broths, tinctures, juices and jelly. These fruits are characterized by anti-inflammatory, fixing, antipyretic and disinfecting effect. Broth pears are used for inflammatory processes of the bladder, cystitis and urinary tract diseases. Boiled and baked fruits help from severe cough, bronchitis, asphyxiation and pulmonary tuberculosis.
In the east, a decoction of pear leaves is actively used as an anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent. They treat seborrhea and dermatitis, and also use powder from the dry crushed leaves of a wild pear as an external disinfectant powder.
However, there is also relative harm. Pears are not recommended for people who are prone to diseases of the digestive system, because of the large amount of dietary fiber they irritate the intestinal mucosa and increase peristalsis.
Application in Cooking
From pears are obtained excellent compotes, kissels and nectars; In the kitchens of the whole world they use to make jams, fillings for pies and cakes, make candied fruits, dry and dried fruits are used for making drinks. From fresh fruits make tinctures, liquors and wine. Pear has a delicate, characteristic aroma, so it is used for flavoring foods, beverages, coffee, tea and tobacco. Many perfumers use essential oils to create fragrant compositions.