For the vanilla saffron pears, grate the zest from the lemon and squeeze the fruit.
Peel the pears, cut them in half and remove the core. Sprinkle pear halves with a little lemon juice.
Peel the ginger and grate finely on a vegetable grater.
Boil a quart of water in a pot, add sugar and the pulp of the vanilla pod. Add pears and stir in saffron and ginger. Season with lemon zest and juice.
Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Cover and allow to cool.
Serve vanilla saffron pears with vanilla ice cream.