This is the asian pear that cost me $3 at the farmer’s market yesterday. I know, I know! I didn’t know it was going to be that much until I got up there and handed over the cash in shock. Yes urban farmer’s markets tend to be more expensive then the grocery store. What is it like outside of these limits? Anyone? So this fancy asian pear has had a photo shoot and it’s pal has already been consumed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine we learn that the fall is a really drying time for the lungs. This can lead to a hacking cough, a sore throat, dry skin and a scratchy throats. Their lovely solution for this problem is to eat steamed asian pears. Although I bet any old pear could make a stellar substitute. The beauty of this is manifold. You can eat them this way as a preventative medicine, as an aid to help with symptoms that already are ailing you and it tastes really good.
Recipe: Cut pear into slices and steam for about 10 minutes, covered. Traditionally you are to add rock sugar before serving. I drizzled mine with honey instead. So simple and really good. And the tickle in my throat is gone. Enjoy!
October 12, 2009 at 14:01
Do you have to cook it? They are wonderful raw/fresh! Like a crunchier, tastier apple, rather than our western mushy pears.
October 12, 2009 at 15:59
They are definitely amazing fresh, no doubt about that! In TCM as a rule everything is better warmed or cooked because it is easier to digest. I think that raw is better then none but medicinally speaking steamed is best.
October 12, 2009 at 20:30
Oh! that’s very expensive. At that rate, we’d get about 4 pounds of them here. Re nutritional value, pears are rich in iron content too.
October 18, 2009 at 06:12
mmm, a wonderful suggestion. I think I’ll try it!