Ripe pears
Description
Ripe pears have a delicately sweet, honey-like flavor with a slight hint of acidity and a soft, juicy texture; the skin can be green-yellow, often with a blush and small spots, while the flesh is creamy and aromatic. They are a source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and minerals such as copper and potassium, and thanks to antioxidants, they support digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote heart health, contributing to a feeling of fullness with relatively low calorie content. In the kitchen, they are excellent raw in salads, as an accompaniment to cheeses and cold cuts, and in desserts — baked, stewed, jams, mousses, smoothies, or grilled slices bring out their aroma. Ripening is accelerated by a paper bag at room temperature, and once they reach softness, it is best to store them in the refrigerator, separately from strongly scented products and undamaged, to avoid mold and bruising.