Steamed Apple Pear (also referred to Asian Pear, Asian Apple Pear and Japanese Apple Pears) with honey is one of those easy to make natural cold remedies. 

pot filled with water and fruit

You’ll want to add this recipe to your collection of natural cold remedies.  It’s easy to make, requires few ingredients and may help soothe sore throat and temporarily calm a cough.

pot of steamed apple pears

My acupuncturist told me about some of his natural cold remedies, with this one being his favorite. If you’re like me and would rather try natural remedies for cold and cough before pulling out the over-the-counter medicine, you’ll love this recipe!  I tried it during the last cold (with cough) that I had, and I can say that it temporarily relieved my cough so I could get some sleep.  I made it once with ginger and once without.  Adding ginger provides anti-viral and anti-bacterial benefits.

Steamed Asian Pear Recipe

  • Asian Apple Pear
  • Honey
  • Ginger (optional – if you’re not a fan of ginger, then just leave it out)

How to Make Steamed Asian Pears

You’ll need one Asian Apple Pear, two teaspoons of honey and a piece of ginger root.

  • Slice – slice about 1/4 of the top off of the pear.
  • Core – remove the core and seeds of the pear.
  • Peel Ginger – Peel ginger and cut into thin slices.
  • Add Honey  – drizzle honey into the hollowed-out core and place ginger in the center of the honey.
  • Replace the top – put the top back on the pear and place the whole pear in steamer basket.
  • Steam – place a steamer basket in a saucepan filled with about 1-2 inches of water.  The water should not come through the basket.  Steam the pear for 20-30 minutes, or longer, depending on the size of your pear.  The pear should be fork tender when done.
  • Cool – let the pear cool a bit before eating.  You’ll want to eat it while it’s still warm though.
  • Eat – scoop out spoonfuls of soft pear flesh with the honeyed syrup and eat slowly to soothe your throat and calm your cough.

pot of three steamed asian apple pears

What is an Asian Pear

Asian pears are round and less sweet than the typical pears found at the market (such as Bartlett & Anjou). Their nutrition content is similar to the nutritional content found in apples. The Apple pear is crisp and juicy like an apple (and it’s eaten like an apple) but it has a slightly melon-like flavor. Asian pears have a low acid content and they’re considered a low allergy (hypoallergenic) food.  They’re also one of the more easily digested fruits we can consume. 

Where Can I Buy Apple Pears

Apple pears (Asian pears) can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores and Japanese markets.  

How to Choose Apple Pears

Choose pears that are firm but not too firm.  They should be free of bruises, mold, soft spots or puncture marks.  

3 white plates with steamed Asian apple pears

Asian Pear Benefits

Asian pears are rich with vitamin C, vitamin K, antioxidants, copper and fiber.  They’re touted for helping to detoxify the body (due to their high fiber and water content), rid the body of mucus, lubricate the throat, soothe sore throats and relieve coughs.

Honey Remedy for Cough

Honey is rich with anti-inflammatory and  antibacterial properties. It’s a natural cough suppressant (helping to reduce the severity of coughs) and helps coat the throat and soothe irritation.  In one study, honey for cough, was the most beneficial remedy used to relieve cough and upper respiratory tract infection versus using over-the-couter cough medication.  (1) (2)

Honey alone with water can be used for nighttime cough relief.  Add a teaspoon or two of honey to warm water to sip on to help relieve a nagging cough before bedtime.

pot filled with water and apple pears

Looking for More Immune Boosting Recipes?

Here are some of my favorite immune boosting recipes to make during cold and flu season:

Disclaimer: Just a reminder, I’m neither a doctor or a nutritionist and I make no health claims. This post and all other posts on this site are for  entertainment and informational purposes about healthy eating only and should not be considered medical advice.  You can read about my full disclaimer.

Apple Pear (also referred to Asian Pear, Asian Apple Pear and Japanese Apple Pears) can be steamed with honey to make a delicious tasting homemade sore throat and cough remedy
Yield: 1 serving

Apple Pear Steamed with Honey

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Steamed Apple Pear (also referred to Asian Pear, Asian Apple Pear and Japanese Apple Pears) with honey is one of those easy to make natural cold remedies. 

Ingredients

  • 1 Apple Pear (also referred to as Asian Pear)
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 1/2-inch piece of ginger, peeled (optional)

Instructions

    1. Fill large saucepan with 1-1/2 inches water.
    2. Heat water over medium-low heat.
    3. Insert steaming basket in saucepan, making sure water doesn't come through the basket.
    4. Rinse pear and slice about 1/4 of the top off of the pear.
    5. Remove the core and seeds of the pear.
    6. Drizzle 2 teaspoons honey into the hollowed-out core.
    7. Place the pear in the steaming basket and put the lid on the saucepan.
    8. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your pear. Pear should be fork tender when done.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 104Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 5gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g

theharvestkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate information, however, this nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. The nutritional information provided comes from online sources and calculations.