Apple Pear Steamed with Honey

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. 

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.

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.

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.  

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.

Looking for More Immune Boosting Recipes?

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

• Elderberry Syrup – rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help reduce the symptoms and the duration of colds and flu
• Elderberry Tea – rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help reduce the symptoms and the duration of colds and flu
• Lemon Ginger Morning Detox Drink – rich with vitamin C, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
• Immune Boosting Whole Lemon Ice Cubes – lemon peel is rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
• Cold Fighting Citrus Ice Cubes – staying hydrated is important when we’re sick.  These add a pop of flavor and some vitamin C and antioxidants to water and tea (hot or cold)
• Detox Honey Lemon Ginger Slices – these add flavor, vitamin C, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to water and tea (hot or cold)
• Immune Boosting Ginger Tea – rich with nutritional benefits, ginger tea is also touted for calming coughs
• Pineapple Ginger Cleansing Juice  – apparently pineapple juice thins mucus
• Coconut Water Fruit Popsicles – great for adults and children to help stay hydrated and add vitamin C and electrolytes
• Immune Boosting Chicken Soup – is there anything better than chicken soup when we’re feeling under the weather
• French Potage – this is a pureed vegetable soup loaded with onions and garlic to sip on when there’s loss of appetite
• Immune Boosting Broccoli Soup – this is a nutrient-dense soup that’s pureed so it can easily be sipped when there’s loss of appetite

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.