Nutritional comparison of apples and pears

Apples and pears are both highly nutritious seasonal fruits, though they offer different nutritional profiles. A medium apple with its skin contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 19 grams of natural sugar, vitamin C, and potassium. Apples are also a source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can slow digestion and sugar absorption, and polyphenols which provide antioxidant properties.

Pears contain slightly more fiber, with a medium pear providing about 5.5 grams of fiber and 27 grams of carbohydrates. Pears also contain vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, particularly in the skin.

For a seasonal beverage, homemade pear juice can be prepared by slow-cooking sliced pears with orange, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, star anise, cloves, vanilla, and maple syrup. The mixture is cooked for several hours, mashed to release juices, and then strained for serving.