December is National Pear Month

December is National Pear Month

 December is National Pear Month and now is the time to incorporate pears into meals and snacks. There is a wide variety of pears available in the grocery store, so try a few varieties to determine which you like the best.

Pears are a good source of fiber with each pear containing four to five grams of fiber. In addition, pears are a good source of phytochemicals.

Don’t rely on color as an indicator of whether the pears are ripe. Press gently on the neck of the pear. It should give to gentle pressure when pressed lightly. If the pears you buy are not yet ripe, place in a brown paper bag to ripen faster.

Pears are great mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. Other ways to serve pears include:

- Slice and put on a lettuce salad with nuts, dried fruit and favorite cheese.

- Instead of making an apple crisp, make a pear crisp. 

- Pears are great when made into pear butter, similar to apple butter.

 - Cut into pieces and add to muffins or quick breads.