Fruits
Pear in gelato
Pear (Pyrus communis) is a mild, aromatic pome fruit that is roughly 84% water and 16% solids, of which about 10% is sugar. In gelato it delivers a delicate, floral sweetness and, thanks to its fructose-rich sugar profile plus natural sorbitol, a notably soft, scoopable texture.
Balancing parameters
Per 100 g of product, verified against independent food-science sources (listed below).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Solids | 16% |
| Water | 84% |
| Sugars | 10% |
| Fat | 0% |
| MSNF | 0% |
| Protein | 0.4% |
| POD (sweetening power) | 14 |
| PAC (anti-freezing power) | 21 |
Typical use: 25-55% of the recipe as pear puree in a pear sorbet or fruit gelato; 10-20% when used as an accent in a dairy base.
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Open the balancerHow to use it in gelato
Pear is used mainly in fruit sorbets and as a flavour base in milk-based gelato. Its sugars are unusually fructose-dominant (about two-thirds of total sugar), and it carries natural sorbitol, so both POD and especially PAC run high for a fruit: expect strong anti-freeze power and a soft, easily scoopable result. Because pear depresses the freezing point more than an equal mass of sucrose would, reduce added sugar or lean on higher-DE glucose/dextrins to rebuild body, or the mix can turn soupy. Its flavour is delicate, so gentle handling, a touch of lemon, and pairing with pear liqueur, vanilla or almond help it read on the palate.
Origin & background
Pears are among the oldest cultivated fruits, grown across Europe and Asia for over 3,000 years. Homer, in the Odyssey, listed the pear among the fruits of the garden of Alcinous and the trees are famously called a 'gift of the gods.' The domesticated European pear, Pyrus communis, was spread widely by the Romans, who developed grafting and dozens of named varieties.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central, Pears, raw, FDC #169118 — https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/169118/nutrients
- Aprifel (French interprofessional produce agency, CIQUAL-based), Pear (Conference) nutritional sheet — https://www.aprifel.com/en/nutritional-sheet/pear/
- Aprifel, Williams pear nutritional sheet (supporting) — https://www.aprifel.com/en/nutritional-sheet/williams-pear/
- USDA SR mirror, nutritionvalue.org Pears raw (supporting) — https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Pears%2C_raw_nutritional_value.html