Everyone loves a nice, juicy pear! With lots of health benefits, every Mom wonders: Can I give my Baby Pear? Find out how and when your baby can have pear.
Sometimes Nature can amaze us. We often think of delicious things as unhealthy, for instance burgers, cola and sweets are all yum, but not great for our health our waistline. However, try something from Nature – like a juicy pear – and you’ll be amazed at how something so delicious can be good for health too!
Belonging to the rose family, pears are among the sweetest fruits available to man. Pears have been known to be consumed as far back as 1000 B.C. In fact, ancient mythology considers the pear a symbol of immortality, since pear trees live for a long time. Some cultures also consider the pear a symbol of love and affection.
Pears are widely produced in China, Europe, and the United States. It ranks fifth among the most widely produced fruits in the world. In India, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh produce several varieties of pears. Some famous varieties are William, Kashmir nakh, Vicar of Wakefield, Seckel pears, Waterlet pear, Goshbagu, Anjou or Bartlett pear and Beurre hardy. With lots of plant based antioxidants, dietary fiber and other nutrients, pears are among the most nutritional foods you can eat.
Health Benefits of Pear:
- Promotes gut health
- Energy giving & Filling food
- Prevents Osteoporosis
- Prevents Heart Diseases
- Protects heart health
- Promotes eye health
- Maintains skin health
- Controls Blood Sugar Level
- Boosts Immune System
- Helps to reduce inflammation
- Helps to reduce cancer risk
- Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Controls the blood pressure
- Reduces the body heat
- Anti-aging
Can I give my Baby Pear?
The soft, juicy flesh of a pear makes you wonder if you could give it to your baby, and you’re right – it’s perfect for babies over six months. Pears are an ideal first food, like apples. They help in maintaining gut health and boosting immunity – two crucial elements in early development for babies.
Pears are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants while also being easy on the stomach. Ripe pears can be given to babies as is if the flesh is soft. If it is hard, you can steam and puree the flesh. Babies over 8 months will enjoy pear sticks as a finger food.
Pears are not known to cause any allergies, which is another reason they make a great weaning food for babies. However, it’s always better to be safe by following the 3-day rule and starting with a small quantity in the beginning. If your baby has trouble digesting pear, then it’s better to wait for a while and then try again. If the baby displays symptoms like watery eyes, canker sores around the mouth, itchy rashes, abdominal pain, burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face or shortness of breath, he needs to be rushed to the doctor right away.
Tips for Buying and Storing Pears
When buying pears, opt for ripe pears, since they ripen on the tree itself. To know if the fruit is ripe, press a finger gently into the top portion of the pear. If it gives in, the fruit is ripe. Brown pears with no green undertones are quite ripe, while green pears can be consumed after a few days. Avoid pears that are too soft or with bruises.
Ripe pears can be stored in the refrigerator for a week, while unripe pears can be left at room temperature till they ripen. Putting unripe pears in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple can hasten the ripening process. You can also freeze pears in freezer bags, making sure to let out all the air inside the bag.
Healthy Pear Recipes for Babies and Kids
- Pear Puree for Babies
- Apple Pear Puree with Cinnamon
- Pear Juice from Veg Recipes of India
- Pear Chutney from Food Viva
- Creamy Coconut Poached Pears from Archana’s Kitchen
- Pear Muffins from Yummy Tummy Aarthi
- Pear Lassi from Cookpad
- Pear Sauce from Two Peas and Their Pod
- Baked Pears from Healthy Little Foodies
Nice tips and thanks for d recipes
Thank you for the appreciation dear 🙂