Origin: Pears are one of the world’s oldest fruits. It is believed that in 5,000 B.C., Feng Li, a Chinese diplomat, introduced pears and made them commercial. In The Odyssey, the Greek poet laureate Homer lauds referred pears as a “gift of the gods.” Roman Pantheon and Roman farmers believed in extensive pear growing and grafting techniques.
Pears were a valuable and much-desired fruit among the trading routes of the ancient world. In the 17th century, pear cultivation and new varieties of pears were found in Europe.
As per history, early colonists brought the pear trees to America and then new crops were cultivated. Fortunately, the pear trees brought west to Oregon and Washington by pioneers in the 1800s thrived in the unique agricultural conditions found in the Pacific Northwest. Today’s Northwest pear varieties are the same or similar to those first cultivated in France and Belgium where they were prized for their delicate flavor, buttery texture, and long storage life.
With new irrigation and growing techniques, pear orchards flourished dramatically in the Northwest’s river valley regions located in a sprawl from Northern Central Washington to Central Southern Oregon.
Today, pear orchards in Oregon and Washington in the USA are as specialized as the regions that support them. Organic, commercial and multi-generation family orchards are the reason for the high cultivation of pears in this area.
Scientifically: The pear tree and shrub belong to the species of genus Pyrus in the family Rosaceae, bearing the pomaceous fruit. Pear is valued a lot for its edible fruit and juice. It is usually a medium-sized tree and is 10–17 meters (33–56 ft) tall and has a narrow crown. It is deciduous and shrubby.
The leaves are arranged alternately and are simple looking.
Usage: The pear is mainly consumed in natural form and is also used to make pies, cakes, and other bakery items. Pear is also used as a side with strong cheese or carpaccio, risotto. Pear jams and ice creams are world-famous for its delectable taste. It is a great fruit for healthy diets because of its low caloric value. Pears have a high nutritional value with reasonable amounts of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C and minerals like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and iron. It is full of fiber and helps in the treatment of constipation and intestine inflammation. Due to high nutritional value, pears are great for skin and hair health.
Below are some DIYs with pear:
- Take some fresh pear puree, add tablespoon honey and cream to it. Mix them together and apply on the face for 15 minutes. Wash it off later and you’ll get nourished clean skin.
- Applying fresh pear puree on the lip for 5 minutes helps in making them pink and plump.
- Take some fresh pear puree and add half a cup of yogurt to it. Apply this mixture on the hair scalp and length for 30 minutes, then shampoo thoroughly. This helps in making hair healthy and nourished.
- Using fresh pear juice as a hair rinse helps in taming the frizzy hair.
- Take one pear and blend it into a fine paste. Add a tablespoon of soyabean oil to it. Combine it nicely and apply on the hair. Keep it on for 45 minutes and then shampoo as usual. This remedy is excellent for colored and treated hair.