Adults all over the world are looking for healthy snacks to fuel their children’s lives. Fresh pear’s subtle, juicy flavor goes well with nuts, almonds, and cheese. America’s obsession with snacking is changing. Portable, packable, and pairable pears are the answer.
Around 84 percent, or nearly, of America’s fresh pear crop is grown in Oregon, Washington, and 1,600 families. There are many varieties of pear, including the sweet Bartlett, the crisp and woody Bosc, and the juicy Anjou.
A recent usage survey was conducted by USA PearsPears are consumed by 46 percent of consumers as afternoon and mid-morning snacks. Pears can be eaten raw and sliced. This makes them an excellent snack choice for healthy, simple snacks. Sliced pears on whole-grain bread, with prosciutto wrapped around, with nut butters, or paired with blue or aged hard cheeses.
Snack-driven eating is now a major part of American dining. A Mintel study on snacking found that 94 percent of Americans snack at minimum once per day, up from 64 percent last year. Three-thirds of respondents say that they are choosing healthier food this year than last year. They emphasize simple ingredients and three quarters said so. Millennials are the most likely to snack multiple times per day than any other generation.
Pears have 100 calories per serving and are rich in nutrients, fat-free, and an excellent source for fiber. The neck of a pear can be used to tell if it is ripe. A pear that gives slightly to pressure at the stem end is ripe and ready to be snacked on.
High-quality fruits are more readily available in the Pacific Northwest due to the warmer growing season. “snackable”Size — Perfect for carrying a bag, purse or string bag along with you to the office.
Want to know more snacking ideas? You don’t have to stick with the same old cracker box.
* Slice pears atop whole-grain toast
* Wrap pear slices in prosciutto
* Pair pears with blue cheese, parmesan or aged white cheddar
* Dip pears into yogurt
* Pack a pear with a small portion of nuts
* Smear slices with almond or cashew butter
* Sprinkle diced pears onto chia pudding
Visit www.usapears.orgFind recipes, tips on ripening and other useful information.
