If you follow my blog you know that I LOVE fruit. I love trying new fruits and of course devouring my favorite fruits. And one of my favorite fruits and definitely my favorite pear is the Asian Pear. In this article, I talk all about the Pyrus pyrifolia, commonly called the Asian Pear, Japanese Pear, Chinese Pear, Korean Pear, apple pear, zodiac pear, papple, Naspati, and sand pear. Yes, it goes by a lot of names!
Learn all about the amazing Asian pear, where it comes from and grows, what the nutritional benefits are, how to eat it, and what it tastes like. It is one incredible pear, now on to the information!
Where does the Asian Pear come from and where does it grow?
Pyrus pyrifolia is a pear tree species that is native to East Asia. There are many cultivars grown throughout East Asia as well as other countries like India, Australia, New Zealand, Nepal, and of course here in the United States, mostly in California, but they grow other places in the States, and you can even grow them here where I live in Arizona.
If in the United States, they can be grown in USDA zones 5 through 9. Also, these trees are NOT self-pollinating so you will need another tree to help with the pollination.
You may be able to find them at your local supermarket, if not check the nearest Asian market. Often times they will be surrounded with a protective fruit soft styrofoam mesh because the Asia pear bruises easily.
Some of the popular varieties of Asian Pear include the Shinko, Hosui, Korean Giant, and the Shinseki. Typically here in the States, the label will just say “Asian Pear” and not give the variety.
What are the nutritional benefits?
The Asian pear is a pretty nutritious fruit, some of the health benefits include:
- High in fiber
- Good amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Potassium
- Good source of copper which helps support the immune system
- Helps with blood sugar control
- High in antioxidants
You can find more health information on WebMD.
How to eat an Asian Pear
Asian pears will ripen off of the tree. So keep them stored in the fridge until you are ready to eat them. You can eat them cold, or allow them to come to room temperature before eating them.
When buying them at the store, pick ones that are not mushy, and that don’t have a lot of bruises on them.
Eat them like most other pears. Wash the outside of the pear, then cut the pear in half. Slice away the seeds and core part. It is up to you if you want to peel it or not, I never peel them.
Now you can eat them. They are commonly eaten fresh or sometimes used in baking, compotes, marinades, salads, etc.
What does the Asian Pear taste like?
First of all, if you love pears, I think you will love Asian Pear. It is my all-time favorite pear to eat and one of my all-time favorite fruits.
They are crisp like an apple, not soft and mushy, probably why one of the nicknames is, Apple Pear. They have a bit of a grainy texture, and are incredibly juicy, because of the high water content. The ripe ones are also sweet.
I hope you enjoyed learning about this wonderful fruit, the Asian Pear.
Asian Pear Video
Here are some other articles and recipes that you may like:
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Homemade Mozzarella Cheese with Only 2 Ingredients
Roasted Peaches With Goat Cheese and Prosciutto
Check out my other website 101 Creative Dates for fun date ideas. Food and dating go hand in hand!
Pears are tasty and healthy. They can go with so many dessert recipes.
Indeed!
Are you on Instagram? Would love to have updates on fruits and tastes and recipes in my feed.
I am! 🙂 https://www.instagram.com/inthekitchenwithmatt/
Wow….I can’t remember the last time I set my eyes on an Asian pear. I loved them when I was much younger than this. They taste so good.
Yes, so good!
I have never thought of one day I will learn about eating Pear and other info about it. Thanks for sharing! The info is good.
You are welcome!
My family and I love when it’s per season as the Asian pears are especially sweet
Yeah, Asian pears are definitely sweet, so yummy!
I love pears. I used to eat Japanese pears when I was a kid and they were healthy and delicious
Awesome!
Asian pears are great and they have many health benefits.
Indeed!
I don’t pears a lot and can’t tell if I really like them or not. But it would be interesting to try this Asian pear.
Fransic – https://www.querianson.com/
Definitely try them sometime if you get a chance, Asian pears are tasty!
I never knew there were different types of pears! I’d love to try these. Pears are one of my favourite fruits, and it’s always great to expand that.
Yeah there are several varieties, of all the ones I have tasted, I like the Asian Pear the best. 🙂
I personally love Asian pears we used to eat a lot of them in Singapore. I didn’t know they were so nutritious so that’s really interesting to know.
Awesome! 🙂
Wow, this is great information. I am familiar with this fruit because we always have this, especially during Christmas. I didn’t know much about it though.
Cool!!
Ooh, I am right on the border of zones 8 and 9, so we could grow these at my house! We love finding new things to try to grow in our backyard garden.
Awesome!! You will love these, definitely grow them if you can!
Pears are my all time favorite fruit! I don’t think I’ve ever had an asian pear though!
Oh wow, you have got to try them, they are so amazing, much better than regular pears!
Love the benefits!! I will be on the hunt now! Thank you for sharing this!
You are welcome!
Oh, I love this post!! Asian pears sound so tasty, can’t wait to try!!
Thank you!
Good info! I’ve not had the Asian Pear before and I’ve wondered before how it was. I’ll have to buy some soon while it’s still pear season and try them out! I’m sure my family will love these. Sounds exactly like the kind of thing they’d like! Do you think Asian Pears would be good in a tart or pie?
Thank you!! They have a bit more water content than apples, so they aren’t normally used for pies, but you can certainly give it a try.