Pear
Pear is a subtly sweet fruit with a delicate floral aroma and a soft, buttery texture when ripe. Its flavour is mild but complex, with hints of honey and a slight tartness that balances the natural sugars. When cooked over fire or grilled, pear develops a deeper caramelised sweetness and a smoky undertone that enhances its natural character without overpowering it. This makes it an excellent ingredient for BBQ dishes, adding a fresh, juicy contrast to rich or smoky flavours. In BBQ contexts, pears hold their shape well when grilled, becoming tender but not mushy. They absorb smoky notes beautifully, making them ideal for salads, salsas, or as a component in glazes and sauces. Pear pairs exceptionally well with strong cheeses like blue or aged cheddar, and with meats such as pork, duck, or game. When selecting pears, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch but not bruised, with a fragrant aroma. Avoid overly hard pears as they may lack flavour and will take longer to cook. For storage, keep pears at room temperature until they ripen fully, then transfer them to the fridge to slow further ripening. This allows you to enjoy them at their best texture and flavour. If grilling, slice pears just before cooking to prevent browning and maintain freshness. Pears are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury BBQ dishes, making them a valuable addition to any fire-cooking repertoire.
Preparation
Halve and core. Leave skin on. Brush cut face with oil or melted butter and a little sugar.
Cooking
Direct medium heat, cut-face-down: 4–5 minutes. Pear is firmer than apple on the grill and holds its shape well. Brilliant with blue cheese and aged cheddar.
Health Notes
Pears are a good source of dietary fibre, which supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. They also contain polyphenols, plant compounds that act as antioxidants and may contribute to heart health. Pears provide essential micronutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, which are important for immune function and maintaining healthy blood pressure. When using pears in glazes or sauces, it is best to treat their natural sweetness as the primary flavour. Adding only a modest amount of extra sugar keeps the dish balanced and allows the fruit's subtle complexity to shine through. Overall, pears offer a nutritious and flavourful option for enhancing BBQ dishes without relying on heavy or processed ingredients.
Pairs Well With
Cook With It
Recipes Using Pear
Grilled Stone Fruit with Mascarpone and Pistachios
Halved peaches, nectarines, or plums grilled cut-side down until caramelised, served with mascarpone, crushed pistachios, and honey.
Korean Beef Bulgogi
Thinly sliced beef marinated in soy, pear, sesame and garlic, then cooked fast and hard over charcoal. Served in ssam lettuce wraps with kimchi and rice. One of the best things you can put on a BBQ.
Fire-Roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Sea Salt
British asparagus grilled over direct heat for just a few minutes until charred in spots and tender. Finished with lemon and flaky sea salt — nothing else needed.
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