Pears, dried, sulfured, stewed, with added sugar
Whole food · Fruits and Fruit Juices
Photo: Wikipedia
These are pear halves or slices that have been dried, treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve their light color, and then rehydrated by stewing in a sweet syrup. The result is a tender, jammy texture with a concentrated, honey-like sweetness and a subtle floral pear aroma. Nutritionally, they are a dense source of quick energy from carbohydrates and provide a notable amount of dietary fiber.
Calorie split: 2% protein · 96% carbs · 2% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their luxurious, intensely sweet flavor and soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture, which makes them a comforting treat. They are cherished in both sweet and savory cooking for adding depth, moisture, and a touch of elegance to dishes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is the high concentration of added sugars and natural fruit sugars, which can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making them unsuitable for low-sugar diets or those managing diabetes. The stewing process can also leach out some water-soluble vitamins. To enjoy them more healthily, practice strict portion control (a few slices at a time) and always pair them with a source of protein or healthy fat (like nuts, yogurt, or cheese) to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick, energy-dense carbohydrate source.
- Good source of dietary fiber for digestive health.
- Sulfuring helps retain the fruit's natural light color and some nutrients.
- Offers a convenient, shelf-stable fruit option.
- Contains small amounts of potassium and antioxidants.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Sulfuring is an ancient preservation technique; the sulfur dioxide not only prevents browning but also inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and wild yeasts, extending the fruit's shelf life for months.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 61.2 g |
| Energy | 140 kcal |
| Energy | 586 kj |
| Protein | 0.86 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.29 g |
| Ash | 0.51 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 37.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 5.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 15.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.97 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 15.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 27.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 245 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 3.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.18 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.17 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.15 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 3.8 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.02 mg |
| Niacin | 0.33 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.07 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.03 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 2.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 40.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.02 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Threonine | 0.02 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.03 g |
| Leucine | 0.04 g |
| Lysine | 0.03 g |
| Methionine | 0.01 g |
| Cystine | 0.01 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.02 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.01 g |
| Valine | 0.03 g |
| Arginine | 0.01 g |
| Histidine | 0.01 g |
| Alanine | 0.03 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.17 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.06 g |
| Glycine | 0.03 g |
| Proline | 0.02 g |
| Serine | 0.03 g |
FAQ
Are sulfured dried pears safe for people with asthma?
Some individuals with asthma or sulfite sensitivity may react to the sulfur dioxide used in processing. It's best to look for unsulfured varieties or consult a doctor if you have known sensitivities.
How do I store leftover stewed pears?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in portions for up to 3 months.
Can I make them without added sugar?
Yes. You can stew unsweetened dried pears (or fresh pears) in water, juice, or a small amount of a natural sweetener like maple syrup to control the sugar content.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.40 kcal/g · 2% calories from protein · 5.8 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.01 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.