For information on specific Asian Pear varieties,
click on the image above.
Although they have only appeared in US markets since the mid 1980's, Asian Pears are the oldest cultivated pears in the world, dating back to 1100 BC in Japan, China and Korea. Today, there are more than 100 distinct varieties available, each with its own special characteristics. Depending on the variety, the skin of a ripe Asian Pear can be smooth and shiny or sprinkled with freckles or russeting, with colors ranging from green to yellow to brown.
Asian Pears are remarkably crisp in texture, super juicy and sweet. Unlike European pears such as Bartlett or D'anjou, Asian Pears do not change texture after picking, but instead are good to eat right off the tree. Asian Pears have a shelf life of 10-12 days at room temperature, but will last much longer if refrigerated. They are wonderful treats to eat out of hand, add to fruit salads, or even to sauté like apples for an exciting accompaniment to meat dishes.
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