Hy-Vee dietitian

Let's please talk about pears. While everyone else is buzzing about apples and oranges, pears are often cast aside as the hard fruit in the produce section. And that's too bad. For a few reasons.

Pears are loaded with fiber - more so than apples - which is something Americans don't get enough of. A medium-sized pear contains 5.5 grams of fiber, while larger ones provide around 7 grams. For reference, women should try to get at least 25 grams of fiber; men should aim for at least 38.

All pears contain flavonoids, which may help decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes. And red pears contain an additional compound called anthocyanin, which promotes heart health and anti-aging. They're also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C - in fact, one medium pear provides 12 percent of your daily recommended dose of vitamin C - that can be beneficial for the immune system. The potassium found in them also can have a significant impact on heart health.

Then there's the fact that pears keep your digestive system healthy since they have high amounts of fiber and are about 84 percent water. There are few fruits juicier and sweeter than a fully ripened pear. Some time though, when you buy a pear they're too firm to eat. If pears are hard when you purchase them, store them in a paper bag at room temperature. The bag traps ethylene gas - which is naturally produced by pears - and speeds up the ripening process. Once pears are ripe, store them in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. Then you can eat them raw and reap the benefits or use them in baked goods, on oatmeal or yogurt, or to make sauces and salads. They're particularly nice when paired with a strong-flavored cheese and drizzled with honey.

Learn more about pears and find recipes at Hy-Vee.com/recipes-ideas.