Frozen pears are a specialty fruit in northern China in winter. After freezing, the water in the pears freezes and the cell walls are destroyed. After thawing, the juice is richer and the sweetness seems to be "concentrated". In addition, during the freezing process, part of the starch in the pears is converted into sugar, which tastes sweeter. Not only that, frozen pears also retain the nutrients of pears, such as vitamin C, dietary fiber and potassium, which can moisten the lungs and relieve coughs, and help digestion. It is simply a "health artifact" in winter. But do you know? Not all pears can be frozen to have such a fairy taste!
Due to the shortage of food in the past, and the lack of fruit preservation technology, preservation transportation and storage conditions, people put pears outdoors to freeze naturally in order to eat fruit in the cold winter. Frozen pears and frozen persimmons are almost the only fruits that ordinary people can eat in winter. It is very popular in the three northeastern provinces, Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, northern Hebei, Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia in the northwest.
The reason why frozen pears are dark is that their peels are oxidized. The phenolic substances rich in pear peels will produce an oxidation reaction when they come into contact with oxygen, forming black or brown compounds. When pears are frozen, the water in their plant cells will freeze, causing the cell volume to increase and then burst the cell wall. This process releases polyphenol oxidase, which further promotes the oxidation of phenolic substances and makes the color of frozen pears darker. After the pear fruit is frozen at low temperature for the first time, the skin will not turn black seriously. It will take repeated freezing to make the skin completely black.
Although frozen pears are delicious, not all pears are suitable for freezing. If you choose the wrong variety, the frozen pears may taste bad. Which pears are the "chosen ones" for frozen pears?
1. Qiuzi Pear: The "Leader" of Frozen Pears
Qiuzi pears are the preferred variety of frozen pears, especially Anli and Huagai pears in the Northeast. Their flesh is delicate and juicy, and they taste softer and sweeter after freezing. One bite, the juice overflows, and it is simply impossible to stop.
2. Snow Pear: Sweetness is off the charts
Snow Pear is very sweet, and the sweetness is more intense after freezing, which is suitable for people who like sweet taste. However, its flesh is relatively hard, and the taste may not be as soft as Qiuzi pear after freezing.
3. Fragrant Pear: Small and exquisite
Fragrant pears are small in size, with delicate flesh, and taste sweeter after freezing. However, due to its small size, the frozen pears may not be "enjoyable" enough, but it is still a good choice as a snack.
Heat-clearing effect: Frozen pears are cool in nature, which can help reduce the body's heat. They are suitable for consumption in hot summer and help relieve discomfort caused by high temperatures.
Lung moistening effect: Frozen pears contain a variety of vitamins and trace elements, which have a good protective effect on lung health and can moisten the lungs and relieve coughs.
Promoting fluid and quenching thirst: Frozen pears have a high water content, which can stimulate the mouth to secrete saliva, help relieve thirst, and also have a certain relief effect on dry mouth and tongue.
Promoting digestion: The cellulose in frozen pears can promote intestinal peristalsis, help digestion, and have a certain improvement effect on constipation.
Enhance immunity: Frozen pears are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help to enhance the body's immunity and fight against external pathogens.
