In East Asian culture, pear and ginger dessert is not only a delicate sweet soup but also a traditional remedy for cough and rhinitis treatment. In my family, we usually make this delicious and healthy dish all year round, particularly during pear season in Vietnam. During its season (in July), we use Vietnamese pears from Lang Son and Ha Giang. In the off-season, we use Chinese pears since they are available year-round. They are slightly different, but they are all delicious.
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Benefit of Pear and Ginger for Your Health
Pear, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Pears are a delicious and nutritious fruit that offer several health benefits. According to scientific analysis (USDA), pears are nutrient-rich, high in dietary fiber, and possess antioxidant properties like vitamin C and various phytonutrients (such as flavonoids and carotenoids). These can help reduce oxidative stress and the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain cancers.
On the other hand, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and some other East Asian Traditional Medicines, pear is categorized as a “cool” fruit with the following features:
- Cooling property: People believe that pears can have a cooling effect, categorized as “yin,” on the body’s internal heat. Thus, they often use foods with this property to reduce heat or counterbalance the consumption of too many “warm” foods, categorized as “yang” foods that increase internal heat. In Vietnam, as well as in China, it is believed that excessive “internal heat” can cause conditions such as inflammation, fever, and thirst.
- Lung and throat health: Pears are often used in TCM to soothe and moisten the respiratory system. People believe that they are beneficial for improving various lung and throat problems such as dry coughs, sore throats, and respiratory inflammation. The fruit’s cooling nature is thought to help reduce heat and inflammation in these areas.
- Digestive support: Pears are gentle on the digestive system. Therefore, they are often recommended for individuals with digestive issues, especially when the digestive system is affected by excess heat or inflammation.
Ginger, according to TCM
Similar to pear, ginger has been used in TCM for thousands of years as a “warm” property. Here are some of the benefits of ginger according to traditional and alternative medicine:
- Digestive aid: Ginger can help promote digestion and alleviate various digestive issues. It is often used to treat nausea, indigestion, and motion sickness. Ginger can also help with bloating and gas by stimulating digestion.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger contains bioactive compounds called gingerols, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This makes ginger a potential natural remedy for inflammatory conditions.
- Immune support: In traditional medicine systems, ginger can boost the immune system and help the body fight off infections. The “warming” properties of ginger are believed to help break down toxins in the body.
- Respiratory health: Ginger is used in traditional medicine to relieve respiratory symptoms, such as coughs and congestion. It can help soothe irritated throats and reduce mucus production.
With great benefits for health, especially for respiratory health, as well as the opposite “warm” – “cool” property of ginger and pear, people combine them to make steamed or boiled Pear and Ginger Dessert. I prefer to boil it rather than steam because it’s simpler and quicker. Follow my instructions below to make it.
Pear and Ginger Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Chinese pears (which are much more common in Western countries). Choose firm pears with bright skin, indicating that they are still fresh and juicy.
- 7-10 ginger slices.
- 1.2L water
- 100g (1/3 cup) honey
Instruction
Step 1. Preparation
- Peel the skin of the pears, cut each pear into 4 or 6 parts, and then cut them into bite-size cubes.
- Peel the skin of the ginger as well, then slice it and cut it into short strips.
Step 2. Cooking
- Firstly, in a pot, add water, ginger, and honey. Cook on medium heat until boiling.
- Once the water is boiling, add pear cubes to the pot. Cook until the honey water boils again and the pear cubes float to the surface of the water. Then, you can turn off the heat and serve.
Step 3. Serving
- Serve Pear and Ginger Dessert warm; it’s better for our throat. Keep it in the fridge for no more than 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it for 1 minute or boil it again.
Such a simple yet delicious and healthy dessert. Try it to experience its effectiveness on your health!
Pear and Ginger Dessert
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Asian pears 500g, 17.6 oz
- 7-10 ginger slices
- 1.2 L water 40.6 fl oz
- 100 g honey 1/3 cup
Instructions
Step 1. Preparation
- Peel the pears’ skin, cut a pear into 4 or 6 parts, then cut into bite-size cubes. Peel the skin of the ginger as well, then slice and cut into short strips.
Step 2. Cooking
- Firstly, in a pot, add water, ginger and honey in. Stir evenly for the honey to be dissolved in water. Cook on medium heat until boiling. Once the water is boiling, add pear cubes into the pot.
- Skim the foam on the surface by a spoon. Cook until the honey water boils again and pear cubes float to the surface of water, then you can turn off the heat and serve. Test the sweetness, if desired, you can add more honey to increase the sweet taste.
Step 3. Serving
- Serve Pear and Ginger Dessert warm, that is better for our throat. Keep it in the fridge no more than 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in 1 minutes or boil it again.
- Such a simple yet delicious and healthy dessert. Try it to see its effectiveness on your health!
Nutrition
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Other Asian Desserts
