Asian Pears

Asian pears are the oldest known pear that is cultivated with seeds and evidence dating back to more than 1100BC. Asian pears are hard, very crisp, and have a slightly tart flavor to them when served at perfect ripeness. In a lot of neighborhood groceries, they are sometimes labeled as “Apple Pears.” This is a pretty accurate descriptor as they are shaped like an apple, have the texture of an apple but the color and taste of pears.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Rosales
• Family: Rosaceae
• Genus: Pyrus
• Species: P. pyrifolia
• Binomial name: Pyrus pyrifolia

Asian Pear Trivia

• Asian Pears are not only grown in Asia, but in many places around the world
• Unlike their European counterparts, Asian Pears ripen on the tree
• Asian Pears originated in Japan and China where the tree’s flowers have become symbols of the coming spring
• Due to their high water content, Asian Pears can bruise quite easily and require sufficient cushioning for transport

Asian Pear Buying Guide

While Asian Pears feel hard as a rock, they bruise quite easily, so be careful in handling them in-store.

Depending on the variety of the Asian Pear, the signs to look out for when picking the perfectly ripe Asian pear are different.

• The Russet Varieties should be deep golden brown
• Smooth skinned varieties
  • Round, smooth-skinned varieties should be yellow, and not green
  • Pear-shaped smooth-skinned types should be pale green

Asian Pear Production & Farming in Texas

While the Asian Pear is gaining popularity in Texas due to its unique properties, it is still a relatively new product. Long-term adaptability and commercial viability are yet being determined.

There are some places in Texas where some small-scale growers have successfully grown and cultivated Asian pear like in the Hill Country, Western Texas, and some areas in the Deep South.

Pesticides:

Asian Pears are pretty hardy fruits, and minimal pesticide and fungicide residue has been found on most of the samples.

Their hardiness also contributes to the ease of them being grown organically.

Geography:

The Asian pear can thrive in sandy soil, but they can also survive in clay and heavy loam soils.  Full sun is required for maximum fruit production for Asian Pear. Morning sunshine is particularly crucial for the Asian Pear tree to combat disease caused by wetness/moisture.

Packaging:

Asian pear ripens on the tree and is easily detached from their branches when ripe. They are then given a quick wash to remove any dust or gunk on the surface and then packed in Styrofoam sleeves or padded containers to prevent bruising.

Enjoying Asian Pears

Due to the Asian pear being allowed to ripen on the tree, they can be consumed immediately after purchase. They can be sliced into quarters, cubed and added to fruit salads or garden salads, or even just bitten into like a regular apple.

Tip! Try and chill your Asian pear before eating. A lot of people find that chilling Asian Pears gives it an extra snap to its bite. Whichever way you choose, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy this fruit.

Storage:

Asian Pears can be stored on the countertop at room temperature for a couple of weeks, and in the fridge for up to three months.

Due to its high water content, freezing Asian pears can damage the cell structure, but with a fridge life of up to three months, you don’t need to freeze them to store them.

Asian Pears can also be canned in a light syrup to preserve them even longer, but this affects the overall texture of the fruit.

Cooking:

A lot of people don’t recommend cooking Asian pear because this can quickly destroy its delicate flavors. Asian Pears can be used as a garnish for dishes and as an ingredient for salads.

Nutrition:

Despite looking like apples, Asian Pears have a closer affinity to true pears when it comes to nutritional value.

• Carbs
  • An Asian Pear contains approximately 13g of carbs per fruit.
  • Simple sugars account for 9g of the total carb count
• Fiber
  • An Asian Pear provides 4g of dietary fiber per piece which is 18% of the recommended daily intake
  • Meeting the required daily intake of fiber promotes a healthier gut and flushes out toxins in your body
• Protein
  • As with many fruits, the Asian pear contains a negligible amount of protein and only accounts for 1% of the recommended daily input for protein
• Vitamins and minerals:
  • Potassium: Asian pears provide 7.1% of the required daily intake of potassium which helps counteract the high sodium (salt) content of other food
  • Vitamin C: Asian pears provide 11% of the required daily intake of Vitamin C which helps boost the immune system and provides a host of other health benefits as well
  • Vitamin K: One pear provides around 12% of the required daily intake of Vitamin K which helps in maintaining regular blood functions

When Are Asian Pears in Season in Texas?