Asian Pears

Estimated Inventory, 10 lbs : 0
This item was last sold on : 05/07/25

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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 smaller 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.

Vista Valley	Vista CA	760-758-2800
Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye)	Carlsbad CA	760-448-1234
Urban Corps Charter School	San Diego CA	619-235-6884
Ron Oliver	San Diego	619-295-3172
Seneca Bar	San Diego CA	619-588-2411
The Glen at Scripps Ranch	San Diego CA	858-444-8500
US Grant Hotel Main	San Diego CA	619-232-3121
Far Corner	San Diego CA	6195490838
Wormwood	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Brigantine Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-4166
Humphrey's	San Diego CA	619-224-3577
Juniper & Ivy	San Diego CA	858-481-3666
Artifact at Mingei	San Diego CA	619-846-2164
PFC Fitness Camp	Carlsbad CA	888-488-8936
Carte Hotel	San Diego CA	619-365-1858
Jeune Et Jolie Bar	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Alila Marea Beach Resort	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
Green Acres Campus	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
Trust Restaurant	San Diego CA	609-780-7572
Bar Same Same (Kitchen)	Carlsbad CA	760-470-9143

the other 25...

Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill	San Diego CA	858-453-4420
Wildland Bar	Carlsbad CA	619-385-0914
Nolita Hall	San Diego CA	619-618-8820
The Kitchen at MCASD	La Jolla CA	619-894-2051
Thai One On	Carlsbad CA	760-500-8674
El Sueno (Bar)	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Bishop School	San Diego CA	858-459-4021
333 Pacific	Oceanside CA	760-433-3333
Campfire	Carlsbad CA	760-637-5121
Shogun Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-226-8030
Tribute Pizza	San Diego CA	858-220-0030
Jeune Et Jolie	Carlsbad CA	858-231-0862
Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky	La Jolla CA	858-459-0261
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Animae	San Diego CA	619-925-7908
Sushi Gaga	San Diego CA	619-808-1556
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Justin Weiss	Bonsall CA	760-724-9875
Kingfisher	San Diego CA	619-861-8074
Beach Terrance Inn	Carlsbad CA	760-729-5951
Wildland (Barista)	Carlsbad CA	619-385-0914
Grass Skirt	San Diego CA	858-412-5237
Bali Hai Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-222-1181
Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego	San Diego CA	619-696-6300
Addison Del Mar	Del Mar CA	858-350-7600

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Asian Pears. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Beyond Kimchee		Apple Pear Radish Salad
Eating Richly		Asian Pear Cranberry Curry Chutney Quinoa
Straight From The Farm		Honeyed Asian Pear Butter
Baked in AZ		Vanilla Spiced Pear Butter
The Culinary Life		Ricotta Stuffed Asian Pears
My Kitchen Snippets		Asian Pear Upside Down Cake
The Spruce Eats		Chinese Steamed Pears With Dates and Honey
Healthy Feels		Roasted Persimmon and Asian Pear with Brussels Sprouts and Purple Daikon Radish
Williams Sonoma		Cabbage, Asian Pear and Grape Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
Will Cook For Smiles		Asian Pear Maple Crisp

the other 19...

Amy Glaze's Pommes D'amour		Lollo Rosso Asian Pear Salad with Persian Lime Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Maangchi		Korean Steamed Pears: Baesuk
Jessica Gavin		Asian Pear Salad with Orange Ginger Dressing
The Healthy Maven		Baked Asian Pear Chips
RAM PAGES		Asian Pear Maple Crisp
Paleo Leap		Almond and Grape Stuffed Pears
Gouda Life		Roasted Butternut Squash and Asian Pear Soup
Cooking Channel		Crispy Fragrant Duck Tacos with Asian Pear and Mango Salsa
Bon Appetit		Chicory and Asian Pear Salad with Membrillo Vinaigrette
Flavour & Savour		Asian Pear Slaw with Ginger and Lime
Heather Likes Food		Asian Pear Fried Rice
The Spruce Eats		Asian Pear Crisp
Perfect Recipe		Asian Pear Cake
Food In Jars		Karen Solomon's Pickled Asian Pears with Lemon
La Fuji Mama		Jarlsberg Cheese & Asian Pear Turnovers
Tartelette		Asian Pear Frozen Yogurt
A Cozy Kitchen		Pear and Ginger-Sage Cocktail
What's Gaby Cooking		Brie, Fig, and Asian Pear Panini
Khoollect		Potato Pancakes with Asian Pear Compote