Called the “butter fruit” by many Europeans because of its smooth texture, a pear makes an ideal snack, dessert or even a sweet or spicy side dish. Pears are a delicious treat when served fresh, but they can also be baked, poached, or sauteed. One medium pear has about 100 calories and provides about 6 g of fiber. Canned pears lose most of their vitamin C due to the combined effect of peeling and heating. They are also higher in calories, especially if they are packed in heavy syrup. There are about a dozen common varieties of pears – such as Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc – and they have similar nutritional values.