Spotlight on HealthyFood: immune-supporting apples and pears

 

Seasonal, juicy and bursting with vitamin C, apples and pears are nature's nutrient rich delicacies. Discover more fun facts, easy recipes and storage tips as we spotlight fresh fruit from the Checkers HealthyFood Catalogue.

If healthy eating is one of your goals for 2025, bookmark our dedicated page to discover HealthyFood for a healthier you.

Spotlight on... immune-boosting apples and pears

Last time, we covered all the ways an apple a day can keep the doctor away. Sitting right next to apples in our fruit basket of fun? Powerful pears to help you say, 'Flu, be gone!'

Fun fact: Get a bunch of savings when you shop apples and pears at Checkers and Checkers Sixty60. Don't miss out. Ts&Cs apply.

Why do we love pears?

Just like apples, pears are a tasty and nutritious treat. They're crisp, juicy, and full of flavour - plus they're rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium. Even better, pears are low in calories and high in fibre and water, which makes them a satisfying snack - especially if you're trying to lose weight.

Plus, they're low in calories and high in fibre and water, making it a good fruit to snack on if you want to lose weight.

Pro tip: Don't peel that pear! The skin contains up to 6 times more polyphenols (powerful plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits) than the juicy flesh inside.

Ways to include pears to your diet

  1. Eat them whole for a refreshing snack. Sprinkle warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg over sliced pears for added flavour.
  2. Combine pear slices with ginger and lemon juice for a bright and spicy salad.
  3. Add basil and mint for a bright and sweet pear smoothie.
  4. Use pear in savoury dishes like a Sunday roast and add rosemary and thyme for a beautiful earthiness.

'Pear-fect' recipes for your Checkers apples and pears

Yoghurt Flatbread with Roasted Pears

 

Paired with ricotta cheese, red onion marmalade and wild rocket? *Chef's kiss!*

Vanilla and Coconut Panna Cotta with Spiced Pear

 

The cinnamon and ginger spiced pears make it the perfect winter dessert

Parsnip and cannellini bean
soup

Served with caramelised apples, chives and garlic croutons. Delish!

How to keep your pears crisp and fresh

  1. Store unripe pears in a bowl at room temperature to allow them to ripen. To check if a pear is ripe, gently press the area near the stem.
  2. Store ripe pears in the refrigerator to keep them fresher for longer.
  3. You could also try long-terms preservation methods like canning pears in their juices or freezing pear slices.

Bonus tip: Read the packaging or look up the variant of pear to understand how long the ripening process will take.

Ready to love your health with immune-boosting apples and pears?

Get up to 75% back in Ðiscovery Miles on your favourite fruit and vegetables at Checkers and Checkers Sixty60. Activate your Vitality HealthyFood benefit today.

Live life with Vitality

Get up to 25% back in Ðiscovery Miles, boosted to up to 75% back in Ðiscovery Miles when paying with a qualifying Discovery Bank card. Auth FSP. Limits, Ts&Cs apply.

This article is for educational purposes only. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice.

Log in

Please click here to login into Discovery Digital Id

Please click here to login into Discovery Digital Id