A Nashi pear, more commonly referred to as an Asian pear or an apple pear, resembles a brown apple more than it resembles a traditional pear. The pears have a mild, somewhat bland flavor, though they are quite juicy and are used in certain Asian cultures as a way to slake thirst. Nashi pears are rich in certain nutrients, too, which makes them a smart addition to your diet.
Fiber
A large Nashi pear delivers 9.9 grams of fiber, which is 40 percent of the 25 grams of fiber you should include as part of your daily diet. A small Nashi pear supplies 4.4 grams of fiber. Fiber prevents constipation, encourages normal digestion and might improve your overall health by lowering your cholesterol levels and helping to regulate blood sugar.
Minerals
You'll get 333 milligrams of potassium in a large Nashi pear. That translates to 8 percent of the 4,700 milligrams you need every day. A small Nashi pear delivers 148 milligrams. Potassium keeps your heart pumping normally, promotes normal muscle function and supports skeletal health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Nashi pears supply small amounts of calcium and magnesium, too.
Vitamins
One large Nashi pear supplies 10.4 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 14 percent of the 75 milligrams you need every day. A small Nashi pear contains 4.6 milligrams of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps repair and maintain your cartilage, bones and teeth and protects your cells from damage. You'll also get 12.4 micrograms of vitamin K in a large Nashi pear. That's 14 percent of the 90 micrograms of vitamin K you need each day so your blood clots normally. A small Nashi pear contains 5.5 micrograms of vitamin K. You also get a small amount of niacin, folate and vitamin E from a Nashi pear.
Tips and Considerations
Nashi pears are available at some supermarkets and Asian food stores. Because they have a bland flavor, mix them with more flavorful fruits, such as berries, melon and pineapple, to make a tasty fruit salad. Slice a Nashi pear and sprinkle it with ground cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice as another way to enhance the mild flavor. Pack a Nashi pear on a hike or long walk. Since they are so juicy, they can help quench your thirst while also providing essential nutrients.
References
Writer Bio
Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver.