The Ichiban Nashi^TM is the first of all the Asian Pears to ripen each year, hence its name: "Number One Pear" in Japanese. It is golden russet in color with light yellow flesh. The Ichiban Nashi is tender, crisp, and juicy with a sweet and subtle flavor. Harvest begins in mid August, and lasts only two weeks.

The Kosui Asian Pear is the second of the season, following close on the Ichiban Nashi at the end of August. It is light green to yellow bronze, with sweet, juicy flesh and good flavor. Although it is picked ripe and ready to eat, it will keep several weeks if properly refrigerated.

To see profiles of more pear varieties, click here.