Easy Homemade Rock Sugar Pear Recipe (with Pictures!)186

The soothing sweetness of rock sugar pear (冰糖雪梨, bīngtáng xuělí) is a classic Chinese remedy for coughs and sore throats. This comforting drink, traditionally made with rock sugar and Asian pears, is surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget expensive store-bought versions – this step-by-step guide with accompanying images will show you how to create your own batch, perfectly tailored to your taste and needs.

Why Rock Sugar Pear?

Beyond its delicious flavor, rock sugar pear offers several potential health benefits. Rock sugar, a type of unrefined sugar, is believed to be gentler on the digestive system than regular white sugar. Asian pears (also known as Chinese pears) are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to overall well-being. The combination creates a comforting drink that can help soothe a cough, relieve a sore throat, and provide hydration, especially beneficial during cold and flu season.

Ingredients You'll Need:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You'll only need a few key ingredients:
2-3 Asian Pears (or regular pears): Choose firm, ripe pears without bruises. Asian pears are preferred for their softer texture and slightly sweeter taste, but regular pears work well too.
1 cup Rock Sugar (冰糖, bīngtáng): This is the key to the authentic flavor. You can find rock sugar at most Asian grocery stores or online. If unavailable, granulated sugar can be substituted, but the flavor will be slightly different.
6-8 cups Water: The amount of water depends on your preferred sweetness and consistency.
Optional: A few slices of fresh ginger (optional): Adding a few thin slices of ginger can enhance the medicinal properties and add a warming spice note. This is particularly beneficial if you have a cold.
Optional: 2-3 jujubes (红枣, hóngzǎo) (optional): These add a slightly sweet and slightly medicinal flavor, complementing the pear and rock sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pictures!):

Step 1: Preparing the Pears:

[Insert picture here: Show a picture of washing and peeling pears. Consider showing different pear types – Asian and regular pears.] Wash the pears thoroughly. Peel, core, and slice them into roughly 1-inch thick pieces. You can leave the skin on for added fiber, but peeling makes for a smoother texture.

Step 2: Combining Ingredients:

[Insert picture here: Show a pot with all ingredients added: pears, rock sugar, water, ginger (if using), and jujubes (if using).] In a medium-sized pot, combine the sliced pears, rock sugar, water, ginger (if using), and jujubes (if using).

Step 3: Simmering the Mixture:

[Insert picture here: Show the pot simmering on the stove. The pears should be mostly submerged in water.] Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1-1.5 hours, or until the pears are tender and translucent. The longer you simmer, the more intense the pear flavor will be. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Straining (Optional):

[Insert picture here: Show straining the mixture through a sieve or colander. A bowl underneath to catch the liquid.] For a smoother drink, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or colander after simmering. This removes the pear pieces, leaving only the sweet and flavorful liquid. If you prefer a chunkier drink, skip this step.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying:

[Insert picture here: Show a cup of the finished rock sugar pear drink. Consider adding a garnish like a pear slice or a sprig of mint.] Pour the rock sugar pear drink into cups and enjoy warm or chilled. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less rock sugar depending on your preference. This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Tips and Variations:
Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the mixture during simmering and adjust the amount of rock sugar according to your preference.
Spice it Up: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a warming, spiced variation.
Add Other Fruits: Experiment with other fruits like apples or dried longans for added flavor and nutrition.
Make it a Dessert: For a thicker, more dessert-like consistency, simmer the pears for a longer time, allowing more of the liquid to reduce.
Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Enjoy your homemade rock sugar pear! This simple recipe is a perfect way to soothe a sore throat, warm up on a chilly day, or simply enjoy a delicious and healthy treat.

2025-03-09

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