Ingredient Name: Snow Pears or Pyrus Nivalis (dried)

Chinese Name: 雪梨幹 (xuě lí gàn)

This is a great natural additive to any soup or drink, although it is more commonly used in drinks rather than soups.  You can do a combination of dried or fresh snow pears in both soups and drinks and this is almost a great staple to have “just in case” you feel like making a soup but the stores are closed or it’s a typhoon or snow storm.  And of course, no one is to stop you from eating it if you’re in dire hunger.

• An edible fruit grown from pear trees
• It is usually round and found to grow well in cooler temperatures
• The snow pear is often firm in handling and is often associated with being on the more sour and tangy side of taste
• Snow pears are known to be a “cooling” fruit
• It is often dried with the skin and seeds and dried in disks the size of diameter of the pear
  

How do I prepare it?

• Wash the dried snow pears in warm running water
• Use directly in soups and drinks

Where can I buy this?

• Commonly found in wet marts in Hong Kong from the herbalist or dried food vendor
• It is sometimes available in packages in supermarkets (although more as a snack than as an additive to soups or drinks)

What is the cost?

• Dried snow pears are very affordable costing around $1-2 HKD for 2-3 slices

Any benefits?

• Pears have 0 fat and provide a healthy intake of natural sugars
• Pears are also packed with Vitamin A, C and E1
• They contain excellent amounts of copper and potassium and are packed with carbohydrates
• Pears also are the least allergenic of all fruits and is often found as a first foods for babies
• They are said to assist with the lower of cholesterol and high blood pressure
• Pears are excellent laxatives due to their high fiber content

Any precautions?

• Pears, especially Snow Pears, are known to be a “cooling” food
• Women who are pregnant or menstruating should take caution when consuming Snow Pears

Any substitutes?

• “Crystal” pears can also be substituted for Snow Pears in soups
• Apples are also an ideal substitute

Additional Information?

• Dried Snow Pears store very well in a sealed container
• They can be kept in refrigeration for up to 3 months