Chinese pear is one of the most juicy and sweet fruits. In form, it is a cross between a white apple and pineapple apricot. The pulp is tender, fragrant. Today this fruit is very popular in dietetics and alternative medicine.
Varieties of Pears
At the moment, there are more than 100 varieties of these fragrant fruits. Pears are considered very light-loving and unpretentious plants that tolerate drought and are able to absorb organic matter from the soil from great depths. Propagated by cuttings and grafting.
In the European part of the planet, pear species such as Chinese, loosestrife, snow and others are widespread. Ussuri varieties, bred in the 19th century by the Russian biologist Maximovich, are also in demand. This species grows on a 15-meter tree with a spreading dense crown. The fruits begin to ripen in September. They have a tube-shaped and yellow color.
The Chinese pear, or Pyrus Serotina, is a representative of the eastern culture. In Russia, it is grown in the Primorsky Territory. Often trees reach a height of 12 meters. The leaves are ovate, large, pointed at the edges. Fruits have a rounded shape and a light yellow color. In diameter, the pear reaches 4 cm and weighs about 150 g. The pulp is hard and sweet. One of the features of this species is its juiciness. Therefore, it is popularly known as a Chinese water pear.
The loosestrife species is grown in West Asia and the North Caucasus. The tree reaches a height of only 7-8 meters, but has a thick and uncharacteristically wide crown. The root system is very developed, so the plant can easily be held on sharp slopes. The fruits are lamp-shaped, small, brownish-golden. The pear tastes tart. Ripens closer to mid-September.
Snow pear is one of the largest crop species (up to 6 cm in diameter). The taste is sour and tart, so they are often used for conservation. This is the most winter-hardy type of pear. It grows on trees whose height does not exceed 4 m.
Another popular variety is Bretschneider pear. Recently, it is cultivated only in Asia. Its fruits are appreciated for its juiciness and crisp flesh. The average life span of a plant is 150 years.
Chinese pear: features
This fruit has not only excellent taste, but also a very exotic appearance. In different countries, the Chinese pear may be known as Asian, sand or Taiwanese. Today, this variety is also cultivated in Israel, Korea and Japan. The Chinese pear is a hybrid of several varieties, one of which is the Yamanashi variety. In antiquity, it was not popular because of a very sour taste, but Asian breeders were able to turn the flaw into a virtue.
In appearance, the fruit resembles a small winter apple and partly pineapple apricot. A ripe pear weighs up to 180 g with a fairly average size. The peel is covered with small darkish spots. To taste, the fruit is very tender, juicy and sweet.
Ripe Chinese
pear, the calorie content of which does not exceed 42 kcal, is allowed in any diet dishes. Its fruits are rich in trace elements vital for humans.
The composition of the Chinese pear
100 g of fresh fruit contains 45 g of water, 2 g of dietary fiber and 0.2 g of ash. The remaining share is distributed between vitamins and minerals.
Chinese pear is enriched with useful ingredients such as zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, manganese and magnesium. However, most of all it contains phosphorus and potassium. The last element in the composition of the fruit is 5 times more than all other minerals.
As for vitamins, the largest part is occupied by groups C, K and choline. The composition of the fruit also includes folic acid, niacin equivalent, thiamine, pyridoxine and other components.
Calorie Chinese pear
The energy value of this culture is estimated as extremely low. No wonder one of the most dietary fruits is considered to be a Chinese pear. The calorie content of 100 g, as already mentioned, varies about 42 kcal. This fruit is allowed in the diet menu three times a day for one average fruit.
As for nutritional value, carbohydrates prevail here. Their percentage relative to proteins and fats is equal to 85%. By weight, carbohydrates make up 7 g of the total mass. Proteins and fats, together - 0.8 g.
Beneficial features
Dietary fiber of Chinese pear helps cleanse the intestines, which positively affects the digestive system. Folic acid is beneficial for the female body during pregnancy. A large amount of vitamin C strengthens the immune system and increases its protective properties. Calcium favorably affects the development of bone tissue and hair.
Chinese pear, the beneficial properties of which can be listed for a very long time, also contains a large amount of phosphorus, which improves
protein synthesis, promotes cell growth and strengthens the muscular system. Potassium normalizes the activity of heart valves, which significantly reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. In addition, this element is involved in the metabolism. Magnesium is necessary for the normal functioning of the atria.
One of the main advantages of the fruit is its low calorie content. Thanks to her, the Chinese pear is used in the diet of people who monitor their figure.
The benefits of the Chinese pear for pregnant women
As you know, not all fruits are suitable for nutrition during the development of the embryo in the mother's body. Chinese pear during pregnancy is one of the few products that are allowed in the permanent menu throughout the term. Some doctors recommend peeling before use, as organic fertilizers and harmful chemicals can settle on it. This warning for any plant product will not be superfluous.
A Chinese pear during pregnancy can reduce permanent body temperature and improve kidney function. Also in the fruit is a high content of folic acid, which is so necessary for the development of the child. This substance is especially important for the expectant mother and baby in the first trimester.
Closer to the 7th month of pregnancy, women often suffer from a lack of iron. In Chinese pear,
this trace element is abundant, as is ascorbic acid, which is necessary to strengthen immunity. It is not recommended to eat fruit at night. The daily dose for pregnant women is up to 0.5 kg.
The harm of the Chinese pear
Almost everyone knows about the beneficial properties of the fruit, but few people know about contraindications. It is highly recommended not to eat the pear unripe. During this period, the fruit has powerful laxative properties and can cause prolonged and painful indigestion.
You can not eat any kind of pear at the same time with fresh milk. This can lead to an upset stomach and a serious malfunction in the digestive system. The Chinese pear has no contraindications for use with fermented milk products, unlike other varieties.
A large number of these fruits on an empty stomach causes bloating and entail bouts of heartburn. Some doctors do not recommend eating pears with meat products. In this case, nutrients will be poorly absorbed in the body.
Storage and use
The Chinese pear perfectly tolerates long-term transportation in the refrigerator. In the fresh air, storing the fruit is not recommended, as it begins to quickly blacken and lose density.
Due to its incomparable taste and aroma, Chinese pear is often used in various recipes. This also applies to all kinds of salads and fruit desserts.
In addition, the Chinese pear is well suited for topping in baked goods.