Bosc Pear

Have you tried the fruit from Penryn Orchards Specialties? Wow! The Bosc pears they have in right now are absolutely delicious! There are so many varietals of pears ranging from Bartlett to Comice to Concorde to Durondeau to Anjou – and these come in reds, greens, and browns. A pear contains folate, Vitamin A, and Niacin, which is important for cellular function, energy production, skin health, and wound healing. The skin of the pear is so nutritious, containing six times more polyphenols than the flesh of the pear. The mineral copper is rich in pears, which aids in metabolizing cholesterol and maintaining healthy nerve function. Copper also supports the immune system. Potassium is also found in pears, and helps with heart function and muscle contractions. This fruit is a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber as well, making it wonderful for our gut health. Pectin is found in pears and has been shown to not only aid in our gut and immune health, but also help with constipation. Pears are an incredible anti-inflammatory fruit, they contain not only copper, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, but are a great source of flavonoid antioxidants, all of which help to combat chronic inflammation. These flavonoids are also known to help reduce the risk of certain cancers. The fiber content in all types of pears may help reduce the risk of diabetes, as well as keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Let’s make a simple and healthy baked pear that will be an incredible addition to any holiday menu. 

Maple Glazed Baked Pears with Coconut Ice Cream 

Yield: 4 Servings

4 small to medium firm Bosc or Bartlett pears
2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted 
3 tablespoons coconut sugar or raw cane sugar 
2 tablespoons maple syrup 
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 
¼ teaspoon ground ginger 
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 
4 scoops coconut vanilla ice cream 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease (I like coconut oil) a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. 

2. Halve pears through the stem and remove the core with a small spoon (a measuring spoon works great!). Place the pears cut side up in your baking dish. 

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Pour evenly over the pears. 

4. Flip the pears over so they are cut side down and transfer to the preheated oven. 

5. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered, until a knife slides in and out easily. 

6. Remove from the oven, carefully flip the pears over and transfer back to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes or until lightly caramelized. 

7. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.