About Poached Pears
Pears are a nutritional fruit that can be eaten and cooked in a variety of ways and are beneficial for people of all ages. Poached pears are eaten as a simple snack, pureed into sauces and soups, mixed into baby foods and many other flavorful recipes. Most often, poached pears are made into beautiful desserts; a refreshing and healthful ending to any meal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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The method of poaching is to lightly cook or simmer an ingredient until it is tender or meets a desired texture. When poaching pears, keep in mind that you want them to be tender but not falling apart.
To make, core the pears from the bottom to remove seeds and set aside. Bring your poaching liquid to a slow boil, adding your seasoning and spices. Lower heat to a simmer and add the pears; let cook for about ten minutes (until fork tender) and remove. Refrigerate the pears. Strain off any cooking residue or spices from the liquid and then return to heat, reduce to a syrup (simmering about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount of liquid). Drizzle the reduction over chilled pears, add a creme fraiche and serve.
Types
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When making this fruit dessert, you can use many different varieties of pear, such as Bartlett, Asian or Bosc. Baby pears have proven to work especially well because of their size, small core and tart flavor.
The pears can be poached in many different liquids - water, wine, simple syrups, flavored liqueur, etc. - in order to achieve your intended final product. Dessert plates are best made with the syrups and liquors, which can further be reduced down into a sweet sauce. Poaching in water solubles allows for you to add mild flavors with added seasonings and spices; like cinnamon stick, orange rind or vanilla bean. This method makes pears that can be used in more savory dishes, sauces, baby food and other more mildly sweet plates. -
Benefits
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Pears are rich with vitamins and minerals, meeting many nutritional needs for a healthy diet. The fruit is high in fiber, non-fat and contains healthy sugars that provide natural energy. Mild but flavorful, pears are full of Vitamin C and beneficial anti-oxidants to help strengthen the immune system, fight disease and regulate a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.
History
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Pears have been a staple fruit all over the world for many years - fossilized seeds of the pear have been discovered in Europe, where the the fruit continues to be farmed, as well as throughout Canada, the United States, China, Argentina, Chile and many more countries of moderate climate. Pears require a long, warm growing season, however, so they cannot grow anywhere tropical or where high climate fluctuations occur. The fruit continues to be a staple crop in the United States where it is the third most popular fruit after apples and peaches.
Potential
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Served as a European delicacy for royal families, poached pears have been a sweet treat for many years. The method of cooking the fruit has become more mainstream as modern restaurants and families realize the potential of the poached pear in other dishes - such as salads, soups, with antipasti and much more. Poached pears will continue to be a healthy treat for years to come because of their nutritional benefits, simplicity in cooking and great flavor.
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