Pears: A Nourishing and Healing Food in Autumn

During the Autumn months, we have to pay particular attention to the energetics and health of the Lungs. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, certain foods can be eaten to balance the internal organ system. Pears are one of the foods that can support your Lung health by bringing moisture back into your body. 

Our Lungs function best when they are moist and free of excess phlegm. Just as in nature, fire and smoke are scorching as well as drying to our Lungs, which can lead to symptoms like dry throat, coughing and difficulty breathing. The nature of Autumn is drying, so it is also important to nourish fluids. Keeping our Lung energy healthy also supports our immune system via our Defensive Qi and our skin.  

Incorporating Asian pears, or any variety of pear, into your diet is a great way to nourish and support Lung health and replenish fluids. They are delicious as is, but you can also try steaming them with honey, walnuts, and cinnamon or ginger for a yummy nourishing treat. Eat the pear and save the steaming liquid for a refreshing drink.  

Here are some of my favorite recipes for Autumn:

Asian Pear & Ginger Tea 

This tea is the perfect aid for seasonal coughs, sore and scratchy throats. It also helps with congestion. My favorite way to enjoy this tea is warm with a bit of raw honey. Honey is one of the best remedies for a sore throat due to its natural antibacterial properties and soothing quality. 

Ingredients:

• 1 Asian Pear (cored, sliced into wedges)
• 20 oz. Water
• 1 large piece Fresh Ginger Root, about 2-3 inches in length (peeled, thinly sliced)
• 2-3 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 tablespoon Raw honey

 *Note: Any type of pear will do if you can’t find Asian Pears. I recommend making a trip to your local Asian grocery store, like H Mart, for these ingredients. Try your best to buy organic. 

Directions:

1. Cut up the pears and ginger root and place into a large-sized pot. 
2. Add the remaining ingredients, aside from the raw honey, to the pot and put it on medium-high heat. Once it starts coming to a low boil, cover and put on a simmer/low heat for about 3 hours.
3. Once the tea is ready, strain and add raw honey. If you like, you can set the pears aside and eat them as a snack with your tea. 

Ginger Baked Pears 

This ginger baked pears recipe is an easy snack that’s naturally Paleo, gluten-free, and AIP-compliant. 

Ingredients:

• 2 Pears sliced in half and the seeds removed
• 1/4 cup Raw Honey
• 1/8 tsp Ginger, ground
• 1/8 tsp Cinnamon
• 2 tsp Butter, Ghee or Coconut Oil, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the pears on the baking sheet with the cut sides up. Put dabs of whichever butter/oil you choose in the center of the pears and sprinkle the spices over each pear. 
3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned and soft, and then drizzle the raw honey on top.
4. Let the pears cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe by Thriving Autoimmune