Dried pears are made by dehydrating fresh pear slices, which concentrates their natural sugars and gives them a longer shelf life. They’re a great source of dietary fiber, especially when the skin is left on. These dried fruits have a uniquely sweet and floral taste that’s characteristic of pears, making them a delightful snack or ingredient in various dishes.
Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Calories: ~262
- Protein: 1.9g
- Fat: 0.6g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
- Sugars: 53g
- Fiber: 7.7g
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Potassium: 534mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the brand and specific processing methods.)
Ingredients: Dried pear slices. Some brands may add preservatives or sweeteners.
What it is good for:
- A natural source of dietary fiber.
- Providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- An easy-to-digest snack.
- A natural sweetener for recipes.
How to Use:
- Eat directly from the package as a snack.
- Rehydrate in water to use in certain recipes.
- Mix into granolas, cereals, or oatmeals.
- Incorporate into baked goods like muffins, breads, or cookies.
- Add to savory dishes for a hint of sweetness.
Recipe Idea – Dried Pear and Walnut Salad: Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried pear slices, chopped
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Instructions:
- In a large salad bowl, toss together the salad greens, chopped dried pears, and roasted walnuts.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Diets it fits into:
- Vegan (if no animal-based additives or preservatives are used and if excluding feta in the recipe)
- Gluten-free
- Paleo (if no added sugars or preservatives)
Note: Check the label for any added sugars or preservatives if you’re aiming for a natural product. As with all dried fruits, moderation is essential due to their concentrated sugar content.