Steamed Apple Pear (also referred to Asian Pear, Asian Apple Pear and Japanese Apple Pears) with honey is one of those easy to make natural cold remedies. 

A white pot filled with water and fruit

You’ll want to add this recipe to your collection of natural cold remedies.  It’s easy to make, requires few ingredients and may help soothe sore throat and temporarily calm a cough.

A white pot of steamed apple pears.

If you’re like me and would rather try natural remedies for cold and cough before pulling out the over-the-counter medicine, you’ll love this recipe!  

Steamed Asian Pear Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious, but if you would rather try natural remedies for cold and cough before pulling out the over-the-counter medicine, you will love this soothing recipe!

  • Asian Apple Pear
  • Honey
  • Ginger (optional – if you’re not a fan of ginger, then just leave it out)

Find printable recipe with measurements below.

How to Make Steamed Asian Pears

You’ll need one Asian Apple Pear, two teaspoons of honey and a piece of ginger root.

  • Slice. Slice about 1/4 of the top off of the pear.
  • Core. Remove the core and seeds of the pear.
  • Peel Ginger – Peel ginger and cut into thin slices.
  • Add Honey  – drizzle honey into the hollowed-out core and place ginger in the center of the honey.
  • Replace the top – put the top back on the pear and place the whole pear in steamer basket.
  • Steam – place a steamer basket in a saucepan filled with about 1-2 inches of water.  The water should not come through the basket.  Steam the pear for 20-30 minutes, or longer, depending on the size of your pear.  The pear should be fork tender when done.
  • Cool – let the pear cool a bit before eating.  You’ll want to eat it while it’s still warm though.
  • Eat – scoop out spoonfuls of soft pear flesh with the honeyed syrup and eat slowly to soothe your throat and calm your cough.

A white pot of three steamed asian apple pears.

What is an Asian Pear?

Asian pears are round and less sweet than the typical pears found at the market (such as Bartlett & Anjou). Their nutrition content is similar to the nutritional content found in apples. The Apple pear is crisp and juicy like an apple (and it’s eaten like an apple) but it has a slightly melon-like flavor. Asian pears have a low acid content and they’re considered a low allergy (hypoallergenic) food.  They’re also one of the more easily digested fruits we can consume. 

Where Can I Buy Apple Pears?

Apple pears (Asian pears) can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores and Japanese markets.  

How Do You Choose Apple Pears?

Choose pears that are firm but not too firm.  They should be free of bruises, mold, soft spots or puncture marks.  

3 white plates with steamed Asian apple pears

Honey Remedy for Cough

Honey is rich with anti-inflammatory and  antibacterial properties. It’s a natural cough suppressant (helping to reduce the severity of coughs) and helps coat the throat and soothe irritation.  In one study, honey for cough, was the most beneficial remedy used to relieve cough and upper respiratory tract infection versus using over-the-couter cough medication.  (1) (2)

Honey alone with water can be used for nighttime cough relief.  Add a teaspoon or two of honey to warm water to sip on to help relieve a nagging cough before bedtime.

A white pot filled with water and apple pears

Looking for More Soothing Recipes?

Apple Pear (also referred to Asian Pear, Asian Apple Pear and Japanese Apple Pears) can be steamed with honey to make a delicious tasting homemade sore throat and cough remedy
Yield: 1 serving

Apple Pear Steamed with Honey

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Steamed Apple Pear (also referred to Asian Pear, Asian Apple Pear and Japanese Apple Pears) with honey is one of those easy to make natural cold remedies. 

Ingredients

  • 1 Apple Pear (also referred to as Asian Pear)
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 1/2-inch piece of ginger, peeled (optional)

Instructions

    1. Fill large saucepan with 1-1/2 inches water.
    2. Heat water over medium-low heat.
    3. Insert steaming basket in saucepan, making sure water doesn't come through the basket.
    4. Rinse pear and slice about 1/4 of the top off of the pear.
    5. Remove the core and seeds of the pear.
    6. Drizzle 2 teaspoons honey into the hollowed-out core.
    7. Place the pear in the steaming basket and put the lid on the saucepan.
    8. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your pear. Pear should be fork tender when done.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 104Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 5gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g

theharvestkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate information, however, this nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. The nutritional information provided comes from online sources and calculations.