Worldwide, there are over 30 primary and subspecies of edible pears, Pyrus spp., with China responsible for 12 of the 20 million tonnes produced yearly. (Editor’s note: A well-produced commercial states that for every 1 pear that we export from Canada, we import 700.)

Related to the apple, there is no reason to travel the world for the chance to sample a good pear, nor reason for that same pear to have to come visit you, as many pear species bode well in cold temperatures. A deciduous pear tree, but not an evergreen, may withstand temperatures plunging to -40 °C. There is in fact some evidence that fruits faring better in harsher climates produce a greater nutrient density, the pear being an example.

Most nutrients from the pear are found in the skin, with studies showing that organic fruits produce even more antioxidants than conventional fruits. Local varieties such as Bartlett, Beurre, Bosc, Comice, D’Anjou, Forelle, Peckham, Red, Red D’Anjou, and Seckel claim significant quantities of cancer-protective phenolic compounds whereas Asian, Asian brown, Korean, and Korean Shinko have been found to contain only trace. In fact 32 different phenolic and flavonoid glycosides have been found in different varieties of pear skins, with research showing pears are helpful in protecting against lung and colon cancer.

A high fibre content also makes pears good for the digestive and urinary system. And, the be-all-and-end-all of the moment, one study even showed that 3 pears (or apples) per day can help induce weight loss, whereas 3 oat bars cannot. Hope you enjoy these tasty pomes, daily.

Millie Lytle BA, ND, C. Ht., is a licensed naturopathic doctor and psychotherapist and research practitioner. She keeps up her own healthful blog when not studying in Germany. While there, she has kindly agreed to dispense knowledge about fruit for Not Far From The Tree.