pears

Nutrition

Pears are a good source of natural fiber. A medium size pear offers 210 mg potassium and 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C.

 
Selection

Avoid pears with bruises or cuts and dark brown colors; purchase pears while slightly green because they ripen better and faster off the tree; look for pears with a smooth unblemished skin; ripe ones will yield slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end. If you plan to bake pears, select those that are fairly firm.

 
Storage

If pears are unripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for two to three days or store them in a ventilated fruit bowl in a cool, dark place, and refrigerate as soon as they ripen. Ripe pears should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag up to three days. They continue to ripen after harvest.

 
Preparation

There's no need to peel a pear... the tender, edible skin is an additional source of fiber. Always wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before serving.

Source: Centers for Disease Control