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Asian Pears
Inventory, 10 lbs : 26.25
This item was last sold on : 08/06/22
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Asian pears widely range in size and shape, depending on the variety, and can generally be divided into three main categories originating from Japan and China. The first two types are native to Japan, with one type having a round to ovate in shape with a russeted, gold to bronze coloring, while the second type is round to oval in shape with skin that ripens from green to yellow. The third type of Asian pear, believed to be native to China, bears a pyriform, oblong shape and has green skin with patches of brown russet. Regardless of the variety, Asian pears frequently have textured, semi-rough skin displaying prominent lenticels across the firm surface. Underneath the skin, the ivory to white flesh is crisp, aqueous, and slightly grainy with a central, fibrous core containing several small, black-brown seeds. Asian pears are aromatic and have a sweet-tart flavor with delicate floral notes and low acidity. It is important to note that Asian pears retain their firm texture once picked and will not soften when kept in storage. The fruits are fully ripened on the tree, and once harvested, they can be immediately consumed.
Asian pears are available in some regions at the beginning of summer, but the fruit’s peak season is in the early fall through winter.
Asian pears, botanically classified as Pyrus pyrifolia, are ancient, cultivated fruits belonging to the Rosaceae or rose family. The name Asian pear is a general descriptor used to encompass thousands of varieties of pears native to Eastern Asia, each varying slightly in shape and color. Asian pears are known by many names, including Nashi, Japanese pear, Sand pear, Chinese pear, and Apple pear, and unlike European pears, Asian pears ripen on the tree and maintain their crisp texture long after being picked. In global markets, Asian pears are traditionally more expensive due to their extensive cultivation requirements. Asian pear trees are highly prolific and must be thinned by hand to produce robust crops. The fruit also easily bruises and discolors, requiring many varieties to be wrapped in foam net bags to protect the delicate skin. In the modern-day, Asian pears are highly favored for their crunchy texture and subtle, sweet flavor and are globally increasing in cultivation.
Asian pears are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, boosts collagen production within the skin, and provides anti-inflammatory properties. The pears are also a good source of dietary fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and vitamin K, a nutrient that supports bone growth and blood clotting. In traditional Chinese medicine, Asian pears are considered a cooling fruit, used for detoxification purposes, and are consumed to reduce symptoms associated with coughs, laryngitis, ulcers, and constipation.
Asian pears are best suited for both raw and cooked applications, including baking, steaming, and poaching. When raw, the pear’s crunchy texture, aqueous nature, and sweet flavor are showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The flesh can be eaten peeled or unpeeled, and it is frequently sliced and added to green salads, grated into coleslaw, cubed for fruit salads, or juiced to flavor beverages, marinades, and sauces. Asian pears can also be thinly peeled and used as a garnish over cocktails or hollowed out and filled with warm drinks as an edible mug. In addition to raw applications, Asian pears can be sliced thin and incorporated into stir-fries, slow-cooked to make a sweet sauce for short ribs, hollowed, stuffed with dried fruit and nuts, and baked, served with roasted meats, or mixed into baked goods such as crisps, muffins, tarts, and quick bread. They can also be sliced and dehydrated, coated in warm spices, or canned with lemon juice for extended use, retaining their crisp texture and having a slightly different flavor from European pears. Asian pears complement ingredients, including spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, fennel, and five-spice, nuts such as macadamia, cashews, almonds, and pecans, honey, vanilla, chocolate, celery, dark leafy greens, and sweet potato. Whole, unwashed Asian pears will keep 1 to 2 weeks when stored at room temperature and up to three months when stored in the refrigerator. They can also be sliced and frozen for 10 to 12 months.
In Japan, Asian pears were once believed to ward off misfortune. The large trees were often planted at the front of house gates as a symbolic guard for the family, and they were also grown in the corners of properties to protect against evil. In the present day, Asian pears have become a symbol of the autumn season and are often given as gifts to family and friends. The large, delicate fruits are individually wrapped in Styrofoam for protection, and the fruits with the best appearance, shape, and aroma are selected for gifts as a sign of respect. Seasonal fruits are also traditionally given to complement the Japanese belief of eating with the season to maintain a balanced, healthy spirit.
Asian pears are native to Japan and China and have been cultivated for over 3,000 years. The crisp fruits were introduced to other regions of Asia and Europe along the silk road, and the first documented appearance of an Asian pear in the United States was recorded in 1820 when a Chinese sand pear was imported to Flushing, New York. In the 1850s, Asian pears made their way to the west coast of the United States via Chinese and Japanese immigrants relocating to California for the Gold Rush. Today Asian pears are still grown throughout Asia, mainly in Japan, China, and Korea, and are also cultivated in Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, and France. In the United States, the bulk of commercial production comes from California and Oregon, with a sller supply coming out of Washington State and regions throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Asian pears can be found at local farmer’s markets, select supermarkets, and specialty grocers.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
the other 14...
Recipes that include Asian Pears. One
is easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Asian Pears using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Pears | |
| Food Fable: Pears |
Description/Taste
Asian pears widely range in size and shape, depending on the variety, and can generally be divided into three main categories originating from Japan and China. The first two types are native to Japan, with one type having a round to ovate in shape with a russeted, gold to bronze coloring, while the second type is round to oval in shape with skin that ripens from green to yellow. The third type of Asian pear, believed to be native to China, bears a pyriform, oblong shape and has green skin with patches of brown russet. Regardless of the variety, Asian pears frequently have textured, semi-rough skin displaying prominent lenticels across the firm surface. Underneath the skin, the ivory to white flesh is crisp, aqueous, and slightly grainy with a central, fibrous core containing several small, black-brown seeds. Asian pears are aromatic and have a sweet-tart flavor with delicate floral notes and low acidity. It is important to note that Asian pears retain their firm texture once picked and will not soften when kept in storage. The fruits are fully ripened on the tree, and once harvested, they can be immediately consumed.
Seasons/Availability
Asian pears are available in some regions at the beginning of summer, but the fruit’s peak season is in the early fall through winter.
Current Facts
Asian pears, botanically classified as Pyrus pyrifolia, are ancient, cultivated fruits belonging to the Rosaceae or rose family. The name Asian pear is a general descriptor used to encompass thousands of varieties of pears native to Eastern Asia, each varying slightly in shape and color. Asian pears are known by many names, including Nashi, Japanese pear, Sand pear, Chinese pear, and Apple pear, and unlike European pears, Asian pears ripen on the tree and maintain their crisp texture long after being picked. In global markets, Asian pears are traditionally more expensive due to their extensive cultivation requirements. Asian pear trees are highly prolific and must be thinned by hand to produce robust crops. The fruit also easily bruises and discolors, requiring many varieties to be wrapped in foam net bags to protect the delicate skin. In the modern-day, Asian pears are highly favored for their crunchy texture and subtle, sweet flavor and are globally increasing in cultivation.
Nutritional Value
Asian pears are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, boosts collagen production within the skin, and provides anti-inflammatory properties. The pears are also a good source of dietary fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and vitamin K, a nutrient that supports bone growth and blood clotting. In traditional Chinese medicine, Asian pears are considered a cooling fruit, used for detoxification purposes, and are consumed to reduce symptoms associated with coughs, laryngitis, ulcers, and constipation.
Applications
Asian pears are best suited for both raw and cooked applications, including baking, steaming, and poaching. When raw, the pear’s crunchy texture, aqueous nature, and sweet flavor are showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand. The flesh can be eaten peeled or unpeeled, and it is frequently sliced and added to green salads, grated into coleslaw, cubed for fruit salads, or juiced to flavor beverages, marinades, and sauces. Asian pears can also be thinly peeled and used as a garnish over cocktails or hollowed out and filled with warm drinks as an edible mug. In addition to raw applications, Asian pears can be sliced thin and incorporated into stir-fries, slow-cooked to make a sweet sauce for short ribs, hollowed, stuffed with dried fruit and nuts, and baked, served with roasted meats, or mixed into baked goods such as crisps, muffins, tarts, and quick bread. They can also be sliced and dehydrated, coated in warm spices, or canned with lemon juice for extended use, retaining their crisp texture and having a slightly different flavor from European pears. Asian pears complement ingredients, including spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, fennel, and five-spice, nuts such as macadamia, cashews, almonds, and pecans, honey, vanilla, chocolate, celery, dark leafy greens, and sweet potato. Whole, unwashed Asian pears will keep 1 to 2 weeks when stored at room temperature and up to three months when stored in the refrigerator. They can also be sliced and frozen for 10 to 12 months.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Japan, Asian pears were once believed to ward off misfortune. The large trees were often planted at the front of house gates as a symbolic guard for the family, and they were also grown in the corners of properties to protect against evil. In the present day, Asian pears have become a symbol of the autumn season and are often given as gifts to family and friends. The large, delicate fruits are individually wrapped in Styrofoam for protection, and the fruits with the best appearance, shape, and aroma are selected for gifts as a sign of respect. Seasonal fruits are also traditionally given to complement the Japanese belief of eating with the season to maintain a balanced, healthy spirit.
Geography/History
Asian pears are native to Japan and China and have been cultivated for over 3,000 years. The crisp fruits were introduced to other regions of Asia and Europe along the silk road, and the first documented appearance of an Asian pear in the United States was recorded in 1820 when a Chinese sand pear was imported to Flushing, New York. In the 1850s, Asian pears made their way to the west coast of the United States via Chinese and Japanese immigrants relocating to California for the Gold Rush. Today Asian pears are still grown throughout Asia, mainly in Japan, China, and Korea, and are also cultivated in Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, and France. In the United States, the bulk of commercial production comes from California and Oregon, with a sller supply coming out of Washington State and regions throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Asian pears can be found at local farmer’s markets, select supermarkets, and specialty grocers.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Monarch | Del Mar CA | 619-308-6500 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Storyhouse Spirits | San Diego CA | 801-949-5955 |
| Burgeon Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 760-814-2548 |
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| Villa Capri Poway | Poway CA | 858-391-9400 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| AToN Center Inc. | Encinitas CA | 858-759-5017 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Bekker's Catering | San Diego CA | 619-287-9027 |
| Farmers Bottega | San Diego CA | 619-306-8963 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-298-2337 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Hawaiian Fresh Seafood | San Diego CA | 858-299-8862 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| The Market by Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-237-1335 |
| Vertex - Merryfield Row | San Diego CA | 619-405-8950 |
| Humphery's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| Plan 9 Alehouse | Escondido CA | 760-489-8817 |
| Full Moon | San Diego CA | 619-233-3711 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| The Glen at Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-8500 |
| Mission Ave Bar and Grill | Oceanside CA | 760-717-5899 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Edgewater Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-7581 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Asian Pears. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Asian Pears using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Little Italy Mercato
Gilbert and Lee Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 8 days ago, 7/30/22 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Jacy Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 133 days ago, 3/27/22 
Central Market
Central Market
Near Austin, Texas, United StatesAustin, Texas About 146 days ago, 3/14/22 
Little Italy Mercato
Jacy Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 162 days ago, 2/26/22 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Jacy Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 210 days ago, 1/09/22 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Kens Top Notch Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 232 days ago, 12/18/21 
Little Italy Mercato
Jacy Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 239 days ago, 12/11/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Arnett Farms
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 315 days ago, 9/26/21 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Kens Top Notch Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 323 days ago, 9/18/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1929 Hancock Street 619-295-3172 About 354 days ago, 8/18/21 
Rionegro, Llanogrande
Euro supermercado Jardines De Llanogrande
Antioquia, ColombiaKm8, Via Don Diego, Llanogrande Rionegro Antioquia 034-444-0366 About 403 days ago, 6/30/21 Sharer's comments : Un corazón dentro de una pera ❤️ 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Kens Top notch produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 652 days ago, 10/24/20 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Murray Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 676 days ago, 9/30/20 Sharer's comments : Shin Li Pears from Murray Farms 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 682 days ago, 9/24/20 Sharer's comments : Asian pears from Penryn Orchard 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 689 days ago, 9/17/20 Sharer's comments : Hosui Asian Pears are in! 
Queen Anne Farmers Market
Tonnemaker Valley Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16211 140th Place NE Woodinville WA 98072 206-930-1565 https://www.tonnemaker.com About 696 days ago, 9/10/20 Sharer's comments : Hosui Asian pears, perfect as-is, simply enjoy! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 696 days ago, 9/10/20 Sharer's comments : Asian Pears from Penryn Orchards 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 696 days ago, 9/10/20 Sharer's comments : Hosui Pears from Penryn Orchard 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 697 days ago, 9/09/20 Sharer's comments : Hosui Asian Pears from Penryn Orchard 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Kens Top Notch Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 701 days ago, 9/05/20 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 717 days ago, 8/20/20 Sharer's comments : Hosui Asian Pears are starting up. From Penryn Orchard Specialties 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Scott Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 725 days ago, 8/12/20 Sharer's comments : First of the year for Hosui Pears |
