Poached Pears

Poached pears are a classic dessert where whole or halved pears are gently simmered in a sweetened liquid, often infused with spices like cinnamon, vanilla, or star anise, and sometimes wine or fruit juice. The technique results in a tender, flavorful fruit with a delicate, aromatic syrup. This dish is a staple in French and Italian cuisine, with variations found across Europe and North America.

🍳 View the full Poached Pears recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the fruit's natural sugars and any added sweetener, with minimal fat and protein. It provides dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants from the pears and spices. A typical serving without heavy additions contains roughly 150-200 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	35 g
Sodium	10 mg
Potassium	200 mg
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin K	6 mcg
Copper	0.1 mg
Manganese	0.2 mg
Vitamin B6	0.05 mg
Folate	10 mcg
Magnesium	12 mg

Per 1 pear (200 g) poached in light syrup · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, poached pears are a sophisticated yet simple dessert often associated with autumn and winter holidays, showcasing the beauty of transforming a humble fruit through gentle cooking. Nutritionally, poaching can help retain more of the pear's water-soluble vitamins compared to baking, and the spices used often have their own beneficial compounds.