Pears

Pears are a rich source of important minerals, such as copper and potassium. Copper plays a role in immunity boosting, cholesterol metabolism, and nerve function. Potassium aids muscle contractions and heart function. These fruits are an excellent source of polyphenol antioxidants, which protect against oxidative damage. Be sure to eat the whole pear, as the peel boasts up to six times more polyphenols than the flesh .

Pears are used in jams,  poached, sautéed, and baked into crisps, cobblers, pies, tarts, or wrapped in pastry. They can also cooked and pureed and used in both sweet and savory dishes, to sweeten up a parsnip or potato puree for instance, or in a soup or blended into salad dressings.

In meat dishes, it pairs well with pork.