
Poached Pears in Spiced Syrup is a classic dessert where whole or halved pears are gently simmered in a sweet liquid infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise until tender. The pears are typically served with the reduced, aromatic syrup and sometimes a garnish like whipped cream or nuts. This elegant dish is a traditional favorite in French and British cuisine, often enjoyed during the autumn and winter seasons.
This dessert is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the fruit and added sugar, with minimal fat and protein. It provides a good amount of dietary fiber from the pears and notable antioxidants from the spices, with a typical serving containing roughly 150-250 calories.
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 210 mg |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Vitamin K | 8 mcg |
| Copper | 0.15 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, this dish showcases the technique of poaching, which preserves the fruit's delicate shape while infusing it with complex flavors. Nutritionally, the spices used, like cinnamon and cloves, are known for their antioxidant properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.