Pears
(fruits of Pyrus communis L.; crisp-types may include Pyrus pyrifolia ; family Rosaceae )

Description

• Climacteric fruit with juicy flesh, sweet–tart profile, floral/honeyed aroma; fine texture with occasional sclereids (“gritty” granulation in some cultivars).
• Consumed fresh or processed (puree, juices, cubes, jams, canned in syrup, dried).
• Indicative single-strength values: °Brix 10–14 (cultivar/ripeness dependent), pH ~3.6–4.2, titratable acidity as malic acid 2–5 g/L; water content ~83–86%.

Indicative Nutrition Values (per 100 g fresh pear — typical ranges)

• Energy: 55–60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12–15 g (of which sugars 9–12 g)
• Fibre: 2.8–3.5 g (mainly pectins; higher if eaten with peel)
• Protein: ~0.4 g
• Fat: ~0.1 g — SFA (saturated fatty acids — keep low to support LDL control), MUFA (monounsaturated; beneficial when replacing saturates) and PUFA (polyunsaturated) negligible
• Sodium: <5 mg
• Potassium: 110–140 mg
• Vitamin C: 3–6 mg (oxidation/heat sensitive)
• Others: traces of folates and vitamin K

Key Constituents

• Sugars: fructose, glucose, sucrose (ratios vary by cultivar).
• Organic acids: malic (dominant), minor citric.
• Dietary fibre: pectins, hemicelluloses, cellulose; drive viscosity and satiety.
• Polyphenols: chlorogenic acid, catechins/procyanidins, quercetin derivatives (higher in peel).
• Volatiles: fruity esters, alcohols, aldehydes that drive aroma.
• Sorbitol (a fermentable polyol): relevant for FODMAP-sensitive individuals.
• To control in processed goods: patulin (from mouldy fruit), 5-HMF (over-heating), pesticide residues within MRL.

Production Process

• Selection & preparation: grading, washing/brushing; optional peeling/coring and trimming.
• Cutting & anti-browning: limit enzymatic oxidation (PPO) via deaeration, pH control, ascorbate/citrate where permitted.
• Typical transformations:
– Puree/cubes: gentle heating, refining or dicing, sieving; standardise °Brix/viscosity.
– Juice/concentrate: pressing, clarification/filtration (or cloudy style), vacuum evaporation with flavour recovery.
– Canned/jams: cooking with sugars per legal category.
– Dried: hot-air or freeze-drying.
• Stabilisation & packing: HTST pasteurisation/aseptic fill; retort for jars; light/oxygen-barrier packs with reduced headspace (nitrogen).

Sensory And Technological Properties

• Colour: off-white to straw-yellow; browns on oxidation.
• Texture: from crisp (Asian pears) to melting; sclereids cause characteristic graininess.
• Functionality: pectins provide body/gel; softer acidity than apple → rounder sweetness; excellent bakery filling behaviour.
• Stability: sensitive to enzymatic/non-enzymatic oxidation; heat and oxygen accelerate browning and aroma loss.

Food Applications

• Fresh table fruit, salads with cheese/nuts.
• Purees and fruit preps for yoghurt/desserts; bakery fillings, jams, canned pears.
• Juices/nectars and blends; dried snacks; traditional fermentations (perry/pear cider).

Nutrition & Health (extended and discursive)

Pears are an accessible fibre source—especially with the peel—which supports satiety and helps modulate carbohydrate absorption. Versus juices, the whole fruit preserves the plant matrix, slowing glycaemic rise; purees sit in between (faster than whole fruit, slower than clear juice), depending on particle size and pectin content.
Fat is negligible, so the impact on dietary fat quality is neutral. Potassium contributes to electrolyte balance; in potassium-restricted diets, consider total daily intake. Vitamin C is modest and process-sensitive; gentle technologies and proper packaging help retain it in processed products.
Natural sorbitol and other fermentable sugars may trigger symptoms in FODMAP-sensitive people—portioning and personal tolerance testing are prudent. For oral health, as with other fruits, prefer consumption with meals and avoid prolonged sipping of juices/smoothies to limit exposure to free sugars.

Portion Note: One medium pear (~160–180 g). For processed forms: 100–150 g puree or 200 ml of 100% pear juice, ideally in place of (not in addition to) other sugary drinks.

Quality And Specifications (Typical Topics)

• Identity/composition: °Brix, pH, acidity (as malic), Brix/acid ratio; for purees, viscosity and particle size.
• Appearance: colour (CIELAB), absence of browning/precipitates; fresh aroma without oxidised notes.
• Chemistry: low 5-HMF; patulin below legal limits; metals within spec.
• Residues: pesticides ≤ MRL; sulphites declared at ≥10 mg/kg if present.
• Microbiology: pathogens absent/25 g; total counts within spec; no unwanted fermentation.
• Functional tests: light/O₂ stability, accelerated shelf-life, application behaviour (e.g., syneresis in yoghurt, bake-stability in fillings).

Storage And Shelf-Life

• Fresh: controlled ripening (ETO/CA), chill storage; consume within days of peak ripeness.
• Processed: aseptic/retorted packs ambient; once opened, refrigerate 0–4 °C and use within 3–5 days.
• Key risks: browning, aroma loss, syneresis; typical shelf-life 9–12 months (process/pack dependent).

Safety And Regulatory

• Names: “pears” (fresh), “pear puree”, “pear juice/‘from concentrate’”, “pear nectar” per legal category.
• Added sugars: not allowed in 100% fruit/“no added sugar” products (state “contains naturally occurring sugars”).
• Contaminants: limits for patulin and 5-HMF; pesticide/metal compliance; operations under GMP/HACCP.
• Allergens: not priority allergens; sulphites labelling at ≥10 mg/kg if used.
• Claims: nutrition/health claims only when thresholds are met (e.g., “source of fibre” if ≥3 g/100 g).

Labeling

• Name of the food and ingredients list (e.g., “pear puree”; “from concentrate” where applicable), any ascorbic acid/returned aromas.
• Origin where required; lot and date mark; storage and after-opening instructions; “no added sugar” only when compliant.

Troubleshooting

• Browning in raw/processed fruit: excess O₂/active PPO → deaerate, pH/ascorbate, minimise contact with Cu/Fe.
• Flat flavour: low-aroma cultivar or over-heating → upgrade raw material, optimise thermal profile, recover/return aromas.
• Syneresis in purees/preps: insufficient pectin or sub-optimal pH/ions → retune pectin level, manage Ca²⁺ and heat curve.
• Excess graininess: many sclereids or coarse screen → adjust mesh/fines and standardise cultivar.
• Unwanted fermentation: residual loads/poor filling hygiene → verify pasteurisation and line sanitation.

Sustainability And Supply Chain

• Orchard: integrated pest management, reduced post-harvest losses, valorisation of off-grade fruit in processing.
• By-products: pomace to pectin/fibre, feed, or bioenergy.
• Plant: heat recovery, CIP water reuse, wastewater treatment toward BOD/COD targets; recyclable/lightweight packaging.
• Systems: end-to-end traceability and safety under GMP/HACCP, supplier audits.

Conclusion

Pear is a versatile, delicate ingredient with gentle sweetness, meaningful fibre, and strong technological performance in sweet applications. Final quality hinges on cultivar and ripeness, control of oxygen/heat, effective pectin management, and protective packaging—always favouring no-added-sugar products and sensible portions.

INCI Functions (Cosmetics)

• Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract/Juice/Pulp: skin-conditioning, humectant, mild antioxidant; pectin acts as a gelling/thickening agent in aqueous systems (use/claims subject to local regulation).

Mini-Glossary

• SFA: Saturated fatty acids — high intakes can raise LDL-cholesterol; keep low overall.
• MUFA: Monounsaturated fatty acids — beneficial when replacing saturates.
• PUFA: Polyunsaturated fatty acids — include n-6/n-3 families; beneficial when balanced and protected from oxidation.
• ALA: Alpha-linolenic acid (essential n-3); negligible in pears.
• EPA/DHA: Long-chain n-3 fatty acids typical of fish/algae; absent in pears.
• TFA: Trans fatty acids; negligible in non-hydrogenated fruit products.
• MCT: Medium-chain triglycerides; not relevant in pears.
• PPO: Polyphenol oxidase — enzyme driving enzymatic browning.
• MRL: Maximum residue limits for pesticides on foods.
• GMP/HACCP: Good manufacturing practice / hazard analysis and critical control points — preventive hygiene/process-control systems.
• BOD/COD: Biochemical/chemical oxygen demand — wastewater impact metrics guiding treatment and discharge limits.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Ribeiro J, Silva V, Igrejas G, Barros L, Heleno SA, Reis FS, Poeta P. Phenolic Compounds from Pyrus communis Residues: Mechanisms of Antibacterial Action and Therapeutic Applications. Antibiotics (Basel). 2025 Mar 8;14(3):280. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics14030280. 

Abstract. Background/objectives: The food industry produces substantial amounts of fruit byproducts, which are often discarded despite their high content of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Pyrus communis (pear) residues, which are particularly rich in phenolic compounds, represent a valuable yet underutilized resource. These byproducts have demonstrated significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential for medical and pharmaceutical applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the phenolic profile of P. communis byproducts, emphasizing their antioxidant and antibacterial mechanisms and their prospective use in combating oxidative stress and antibacterial resistance. Methods: A comprehensive review of the key phenolic compounds from P. communis residues was conducted using ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases (from 2014 to 2024). Studies assessing antioxidant and antibacterial activities were reviewed, with a focus on their mechanisms of action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Results: A minimum of 14 distinct phenolic compounds were identified among P. communis residues. However, chlorogenic acid and catechin were identified as the primary contributors to the antioxidant activity of P. communis residues. Hydroquinone and chlorogenic acid exhibited strong antibacterial effects through membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and metabolic interference. Despite this potential, hydroquinone's cytotoxicity and regulatory concerns limit its direct pharmaceutical application. Conclusions: While P. communis phenolics show promise as natural antibacterial agents, future research should address bioavailability, extraction standardization, and safe formulation strategies. Investigating their synergy with conventional antibiotics and improving stability for cosmetic applications are key steps toward their practical use. In vivo and clinical studies are crucial to validating their therapeutic potential and ensuring regulatory approval.

He W, Laaksonen O, Tian Y, Haikonen T, Yang B. Chemical Composition of Juices Made from Cultivars and Breeding Selections of European Pear (Pyrus communis L.). J Agric Food Chem. 2022 Apr 27;70(16):5137-5150. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00071.

Abstract. The phenolic profiles and other major metabolites in juices made from fruits of 17 cultivars and selections of European pears were investigated using UHPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS and GC-FID, respectively. A total of 39 phenolic compounds were detected, including hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, flavonols, and arbutin. Among these compounds, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was the most predominant, accounting for 14-39% of total quantified phenolic contents (TPA) determined in this study. The variations were mainly cultivar dependent. The genetic background effect on the chemical compositions is complex, and breeding selections from the same parental cultivars varied dramatically in chemical compositions. Putative perry pears contained more 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, caffeoyl N-trytophan, caffeoylshikimic acid, coumaroylquinic acid isomer, syringic acid hexoside, procyanidin dimer B2, (+)-catechin, and malic acid, whereas putative dessert pears had higher esters, alcohols, and aldehydes. The results will be helpful in providing industry with phytochemical compositional information, assisting pear selections in commercial utilization.

Akagić A, Oras A, Gaši F, Meland M, Drkenda P, Memić S, Spaho N, Žuljević SO, Jerković I, Musić O, Hudina M. A Comparative Study of Ten Pear (Pyrus communis L.) Cultivars in Relation to the Content of Sugars, Organic Acids, and Polyphenol Compounds. Foods. 2022 Sep 30;11(19):3031. doi: 10.3390/foods11193031. 

Abstract. Traditional pear cultivars are increasingly in demand by consumers because of their excellent taste, the possibility of use in sustainable food production systems, convenience as raw materials for obtaining products of high nutritional quality, and perceived health benefits. In this study, individual sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols in the fruits of nine traditional and one commercial pear cultivar during two growing seasons were determined by HPLC. A significant influence of cultivars, growing years, and their interaction on the content of analyzed primary and secondary metabolites was determined. The commercial pear cultivar 'Président Drouard' and traditional cultivars 'Dolokrahan', 'Budaljača', and 'Krakača' had a lower content of all analyzed sugars. Overall, traditional pear cultivars had higher total polyphenols in the peel and pulp than 'Président Drouard', with the exception 'Takiša' and 'Ahmetova'. High polyphenol content detected in 'Budaljača', 'Dolokrahan', and 'Krakača' shows the utilization value of traditional pear germplasm. The obtained data can serve as practical supporting data for the use of traditional pears in the neutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Konarska A. The relationship between the morphology and structure and the quality of fruits of two pear cultivars (Pyrus communis L.) during their development and maturation. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013 Nov 13;2013:846796. doi: 10.1155/2013/846796. 

Abstract. The flavour and nutritional values of pears are appreciated by consumers worldwide, who, however, demand specific fruit quality, that is, attractive appearance, firmness and flavour, and health safety as well as long-term shelf life and storability. Pear cultivars differ in terms of the above-mentioned traits; therefore, we undertook investigations to demonstrate the differences in structure of fruits of two pear cultivars that determine fruit quality in its broadest sense. The micromorphology, anatomy, and ultrastructure of "Clapp's Favourite" and "Conference" fruits in the fruit set stage and in the harvest maturity stage were investigated under light microscope and scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The fruits of "Clapp's Favourite" and "Conference" in the fruit set stage exhibited distinct differences in the values of anatomical parameters only. Substantial differences in fruit structure were observed in the harvest maturity stage. The analyses indicate that firmness and durability of pear fruits are largely influenced by the presence of russeting, the proportion of closed lenticels and number of stone cells, and the content of starch grains and tannin compounds. The thickness of the cuticle and presence of epicuticular waxes as well as the number of lenticels and the number and depth of microcracks play a minor role.

Sroka Z, Zgórka G, Żbikowska B, Sowa A, Franiczek R, Wychowaniec K, Krzyżanowska B. High Antimicrobial Efficacy, Antioxidant Activity, and a Novel Approach to Phytochemical Analysis of Bioactive Polyphenols in Extracts from Leaves of Pyrus communis and Pyrus pyrifolia Collected During One Vegetative Season. Microb Drug Resist. 2019 May;25(4):582-593. doi: 10.1089/mdr.2018.0149. 

Abstract. Dried leaf samples of Pyrus communis L. var. 'Conference' and Pyrus pyrifolia Burm. f. (Nakai) var. 'Shinseiki' were subjected to the successful extraction procedures using various solvents, followed by filtering and/or drying liquid plant preparations under reduced pressure. As a result of this, for each Pyrus leaf sample examined, four dried residues were obtained, including methanolic (EA), ethyl acetate (EC), water (EB), and the residue obtained from aqueous solution (ED). Antiradical activity of these preparations was measured using the ABTS+• assay, and antimicrobial activity was examined using various strains of bacteria and yeasts. The highest antiradical activity was observed for EC from leaves of P. communis var. 'Conference' collected in May, but the highest average antibacterial activity was noted for EC residues from P. pyrifolia var. 'Shinseiki' collected in May. Antibacterial activity positively correlated with concentration of hydroquinone in extracts. No antifungal activity was observed for any extract. In addition, qualitative and quantitative analyses of active polyphenolic components in extracts from Pyrus were performed. Hydroquinone and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were analyzed using a new optimized method comprising reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-LC) coupled with simultaneous photodiode-array and fluorescence detection.

Khiljee T, Akhtar N. Investigation of antiaging and skin rejuvenation potential of phyto-constituents from Pyrus communis loaded topical emulgel. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2019 Jan;32(1(Supplementary)):293-300.

Abstract. Pyrus communis fruit is traditionally used for improving the skin color and texture. The current study was designed to investigate Pyrus communis fruit phytoconstituents and their in-vivo rejuvenation effects on human skin by developing a stable emulgel formulation. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Pyrus communis was subjected to phytochemical analysis (TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity and anti-tyrosinase activity). A stable emulgel formulation loaded with 5% (w/w) Pyrus communis fruit extract was developed. Afterwards, this stable emulgel formulation was tested for effects on skin parameters and compared these with placebo (without fruit extract) by employing them on healthy human volunteers (n=13) for 3 months. Investigated in-vivo skin parameters were skin erythema, melanin, moisture, sebum and elasticity. Pyrus communis fruit extract showed excellent antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. The developed formulation was stable in varying conditions of temperature and humidity for a period of 12 weeks. The active formulation showed statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in skin melanin, erythema and sebum level while increase in skin elasticity and moisture content when compared with placebo. From findings it is concluded that Pyrus communis fruit extract loaded emulgel possesses antiaging potential with improvement in skin tone and elasticity, ameliorated skin moisture and showed skin whitening potential.