According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pears nourish and protect the lungs. This recipe is especially important in the fall, when the lungs have a tendency to become dry and more vulnerable. Not only do baked pears help keep you healthy (or help to nourish you back to health), but they are also delicious. I hope you and your family enjoy!
Baked Pears
Baked Pears
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is associated with an organ system. Whether you call the season fall or autumn, the lungs are intricately connected to this time of year. As leaves become dry and brittle, so is the tendencey of the Lung organ system, which includes the skin. It is important to take steps to keep the lungs appropriately moist and nourished. This dedicated balance explains why this is the season when many struggle with a dry throat, dry cough, allergies, frequent colds and flus, and dry/itchy skin.
According to TCM theory, pears nourish the lungs to protect against dryness. Honey also has medicinal properties that help to lubricate the body, so it does more than make this recipe delicous. If you are making this for a baby less than one year of age, be sure to skip the honey and cook the pears to a little exra mushy!
Serving size is about 1/2 pear, but enjoy as much as you’d like. When a cough is present, eat small portions throughout the day, and a serving before bedtime can be very helpful to quiet a dry cough. Stor covered in the fridge for a few days, and reheat when ready to eat. There are many variations of this recipe, and apples can be substituted for those who aren’t fond of pears. There’s nothing quite like delicous food as medicine. Explore, experiement, and be sure to nourish your lungs!
Ingredients
- 3 pears, peeled and cored (Anjou, Baretlett, and Asian pears are the best options for this recipe)
- 3 tbsp raw honey
- 6 cinnamon sticks (or 1/2-1 tsp ground cinnamon)
- small amount of water for bottom of pan
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- If using cinnamon sticks, place them where the core once was
- Add a small amount of water to bottom of a pan (just to cover the bottom)
- Place pears face down in the pan
- if using ground cinnamon, sprinkle over the pears
- Drizzle generously with about 1/2 of the honey
- Place on middle rack of oven for 30-35 minutes, until pear is easily sliced with a spoon
- Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining honey
- Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving