Steamed Asian Pear

Whenever the weather starts to turn chilly in the fall, my grandmother calls me with a reminder to eat more pears. 

For her, the fact that pears are in season during autumn — at the height of their crisp, juicy sweetness — is only one reason to include them in our meals this time of year. Many Chinese people follow the philosophy that foods can have a medicinal effect on our bodies’ constitutions. In traditional Chinese medicine, pears are believed to moisten the lungs and soothe dry throats, protecting us from colds and coughs — ailments to which we may become more susceptible when temperatures drop. Enjoying more of the fruit during fall, my grandmother says, can be considered a preventive health measure, akin to taking vitamin supplements or wellness shots. 

This steamed preparation is the way my grandmother always serves pear in the fall, as it’s wonderfully warming and throat-soothing after a chilly day, not to mention incredibly uncomplicated to prepare. I’ve been eating this autumnal dish since childhood, and I’ve always had trouble viewing it as medicinal — it’s simply too comforting and satisfying.

To prepare this dish, simply slice off the top one-fourth of an Asian pear, then use a spoon to remove the core. Fill that hollow with rock sugar or honey and some dried goji berries, then place the sliced portion back on top of the pear. Steam the pear for around 45 minutes, and it’s ready to enjoy! The pear will be soft and tender, and the goji berries inside will be sweet and plump.