With apples being popular fall fruit, I’d like to add some comments about the apple’s somewhat modest cousin - the pear.  Like apples, pears have a high amount of its fibre in the skin.  The combination of apples and pears have an outstanding amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits which improve our chances of avoiding heart disease, cancers, and illnesses in general.  The flavonoids (natural plant compounds) in pears and apples combined have shown the most consistent ability to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.  Add cinnamon to those 2 fruits, and you have an insulin regulating powerhouse!  

Pears also have been shown to be easier to digest than other fruits.  This is helpful when adding new foods to baby’s menus as well as those struggling with digestive issues.  Pears also tend to be a very low allergenic food.

Choose pears by pressing the top of the fruit at the stem - it should give slightly to show it is almost at peak ripeness.  Consume fairly soon as they do not last long once ripe.  Store in fridge to help them stay fresh longer.  Use in salads, oatmeal, pancakes, desserts, smoothies, or elevate your sandwich or wraps (pears with brie anyone?), or enjoy just as is.