This website uses cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to personalize content, analyze how our site and apps are used, and create aggregated statistics.
We disclose data about site and app users to third parties so we can target our ads to you on other websites, and those third parties may use that data for their own purposes.
For more information on how we collect, use, and disclose this information, please review our
Privacy Policy.
Continued use of this site means you consent to our Privacy Policy.
20th Century pears are small to medium in size, averaging 3-5 centimeters in diameter, and are round to slightly oblong with a uniform shape and a thin, slender, green stem. The smooth skin is thin, pale yellow-green, and has prominent lenticels or pores scattered across the surface. The flesh is white to cream-colored, crisp, and firm, and there is a central fibrous core with a few small, brown-black seeds. 20th Century pears are fragrant, juicy, crunchy, and have a mild and sweet flavor with initial notes of vanilla and butterscotch followed by a tart, slightly astringent but pleasant taste.
Seasons/Availability
20th Century pears are available in the late summer through fall.
Current Facts
20th Century pears, botanically classified as Pyrus pyrifolia, are the fruits of a large deciduous tree that can reach up to ten meters in height and belong to the Rosaceae or rose family. Also known as Nijisseiki, 20th Century pears are one of the most popular Japanese pear varieties in the world and are known for their crisp, juicy flavor. Chosen for both its ornamental and culinary value, 20th Century pear trees are easy to grow, heavy bearing, and are highly ornamental with showy, fragrant flowers in the spring, fruits in the late summer, and bright orange-red foliage in the fall.
Nutritional Value
20th Century pears are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, potassium, and are a good source of dietary fiber.
Applications
20th Century pears are best suited for raw applications as their crunchy texture is showcased when served fresh, out-of-hand. They can be chilled, sliced, and served as a snack or steamed and sprinkled with salt or honey as a dessert. The crisp and juicy flesh adds flavor and crunch to green salads and can complement cheese platters pairing well with swiss, camembert, or stilton cheeses. They can also be julienned and added to coleslaw or sliced and placed in turkey sandwiches, wraps, and grilled cheeses. 20th Century pears are used to marinate meat such as beef and are commonly used in vinegar and soy sauce-based sauces as a natural sweetener. 20th Century pears compliment honey, jujubes, dates, raisins, plum wine, short ribs, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cardamom, and cinnamon. They are excellent keepers and will last up to six months when stored in the refrigerator. 20th Century pears can also be canned or frozen for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Japan, 20th Century pears are traditionally shared after family meals, sliced with a pinch of salt and squeezed with a bit of lemon juice. The pears are often sliced in thin horizontal rounds to display the flower-like core as a decoration piece and a representation of the fruit’s beauty. The pear tree itself is also highly valued for its large, fragrant, white flowers and are seen as a symbol of early spring. 20th Century pears have thin skin which makes it a challenge to import. To protect the delicate fruit, the pears are hand-pollinated, hand harvested, and are carefully shipped around the world in individually wrapped mesh bags.
Geography/History
The 20th Century pear was first found growing wild as a chance seedling in Japan at the turn of the twentieth century, which is how it earned its name. The original pear tree still grows in an orchard in the hills of the Tottori prefecture along the northern coast of western Japan. Today 20th Century pears can be found at specialty shops, Asian markets, and select farmers markets across East Asia specifically in Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
20th Century pears are small to medium in size, typically 3-5 centimeters in diameter, with a round to slightly oblong uniform shape. Their pale yellow-green skin is smooth, thin, and dotted with prominent lenticels. Inside, the crisp white to cream-colored flesh is juicy and crunchy. These pears offer a sweet flavor profile with hints of vanilla and butterscotch, balanced by a tart and mildly astringent finish.
20th Century pears: These pears offer versatility in culinary applications, showcasing a crisp texture and juicy flesh when fresh. They pair beautifully with a variety of cheeses like Swiss, Camembert, or Stilton and can elevate dishes from salads to sandwiches. Additionally, their natural sweetness makes them ideal for marinades, sauces, and desserts. Stored in a refrigerator, they maintain freshness for up to six months.
20th Century pears: These pears are a popular Japanese variety known for their crisp and juicy flavor. The trees are not only heavy bearing but also highly ornamental, featuring fragrant flowers in spring, fruits in late summer, and vibrant orange-red leaves in fall. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, and potassium, while also providing a good source of dietary fiber. The trees can grow up to ten meters tall and belong to the rose family, Rosaceae.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
20th Century Pears from Penryn Orchard Specialties…20th Century Pears: They originated as a chance seedling in Japan at the turn of the 20th century, giving them their name. The first tree is still thriving in Tottori prefecture's hills along Japan's northern coast. Today, they are available in specialty shops, Asian markets, and farmers markets, especially in Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Nijiya Market San Diego
3860 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858)2683821
20th Century Pears: In Japan, 20th Century pears are a cherished culinary and cultural treat, often shared after family meals. They are prepared with a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice, sliced in thin, flower-like rounds to showcase the decorative core. The trees, with their fragrant white flowers, are symbols of early spring. These pears are delicately hand-pollinated, hand-harvested, and carefully shipped worldwide in individual mesh wraps to protect their thin skin.
Providore Fine Foods
Portland,OR
20th Century pears are small to medium-sized fruits with thin, pale yellow-green skin that is dotted with tiny pores called lenticels. Inside, their white to cream-colored flesh is crisp, juicy, and crunchy. Known for their mild sweetness, they offer a unique flavor profile with hints of vanilla and butterscotch, followed by a slight tartness that provides a pleasant, balanced taste.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards
Parkdale, OR
541-352-7115
20th Century pears are versatile and used for both sweet and savory dishes. Their crisp texture pairs well with cheeses like Swiss, Camembert, and Stilton, and they enhance green salads or coleslaw when sliced or julienned. They are also ideal for sandwiches and wraps, can marinate beef, and serve as a natural sweetener in sauces. Stored in a refrigerator, they can last up to six months or be canned for longer preservation.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
20th Century Pears from Penryn Orchard Specialties…20th Century pears are botanically classified as Pyrus pyrifolia and are considered one of the most popular Japanese pear varieties in the world. These pears are appreciated for their crisp, juicy flavor and are grown on deciduous trees that reach up to ten meters tall. The trees are also highly ornamental, showcasing fragrant spring flowers, late summer fruits, and vibrant orange-red fall foliage.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego CA 92110
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
20th Century Pears in 2020…20th Century Pears have a unique presentation in Japan where they are sliced horizontally to showcase their flower-like core, symbolizing the fruit's beauty. The pears are often served with a pinch of salt and lemon juice after family meals. The pear tree's fragrant white flowers are cherished as a sign of early spring. Their delicate skin requires special care, including hand-pollination, harvesting, and being shipped in protective mesh bags.