Baked Pears

Pears have a history that goes back thousands of years in South Eastern Europe documented back through ancient Greek and Roman times; they were even mentioned by the Greek poet Homer where he describes them as a gift from the gods; pears are one of the oldest fruits eaten by mankind.

Now days there are at least a hundred varieties of pears grown globally; in New Zealand we have main varieties commercially grown.

Pears are a great addition to our diet as they are a rich source of vitamins, fibre and minerals. Pears contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, potassium, folate and niacin.

The addition of pears to our diet may improve gut and digestion health, balancing stomach acid reducing the risk of reflux kidney function, pears are a natural anti-inflammatory, may lower the risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Baked Pears

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe pears
• ½ cup rolled oats or chia seeds, ground flaxseeds or quinoa flakes to suit your diet.
• ¼ cup chopped almonds or nuts of your choice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon honey or cinnamon sugar or coconut sugar, your choice.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil

Method:

Preheat oven to 200°C

Combine all dry ingredients; oats or your choice of filling, cinnamon, sugar, almonds in a bowl add half the melted butter or coconut oil, mix until combined.

Cut pears in half lengthwise and scope out the seeds.

Spoon mixture into the centre of pears

Bake for 35-40 minutes until soft.

Serve with some Greek yoghurt, ice cream, cream or custard