Wine-Poached Pears
Wine-Poached Pears is a classic French dessert where ripe pears are gently simmered in a mixture of red or white wine, sugar, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. The slow cooking process infuses the fruit with deep, complex flavors while turning it a beautiful ruby or golden hue. It's often served chilled or warm, sometimes with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dessert is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the fruit's natural sugars and the added sweetener, with minimal fat and protein. A single serving provides dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants from the pears and wine, and typically ranges from 150 to 250 calories depending on the wine and sugar content.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Vitamin K | 6 mcg |
| Copper | 0.15 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate | 12 mcg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish is a staple in French bistro cuisine and is particularly associated with autumn and winter holidays. Nutritionally, the poaching process preserves the pear's nutrients while the wine contributes polyphenols, making it a lighter, fruit-forward alternative to richer pastries.
