Asian Pears: Health Benefits, Nutrition, And Uses

We know that Pears are delicious, but did you know that they are also considered lucky!

A sign of good omen- the Asian pears, known as nashi or apple pears, are pear fruit native to East Asia. They appear similar to apples but contain the crisp texture and sweet taste of traditional pears. Asian pears vary in color from yellow green to red-brown and can be round or oblong. They are also known for their slightly grainy texture compared to traditional pears.

So. let’s take a look at what they are and how we can incorporate them in our lives…

What are Asian Pears, and its Types?

Asian pears are members of the Rosaceae or rose family. While it is in the same family as apples and is sometimes referred to as an “apple pear”, the Asian pear is not a hybrid of an apple and botanically, is a true pear. The aromatic white flowers of Asian pears blossom between late February and mid-April. Apart from few exceptions, Asian pears are not self-fertile trees and produce their best fruit by cross-pollinating with other Asian pear varieties.

Asian pears have a long list of cultivars but can generally be split into two types: Japanese and Chinese varieties. The Japanese varieties are mostly derived from the aptly named “sand pear” (Pyrus pyrifolia) which refers to the stone cells in the fruit that give the skin its gritty texture. Japanese varieties of Asian pears usually resemble the apple with a round shape and sweet, juicy flesh.

A ripe one, will typically have a rusty brown color. Chinese varieties of Asian pears are native to parts of Northern China and Korea and are a hybrid of the Ussurian pear and the Chinese white pear. These varieties are colder, hardy and with a shape closer to the European pear. The flavor of these varieties has been described as juicy with some tartness and sweetness and their color varies from yellow to brown. 

The History and Origin of the Asian Pears:

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 by horticulturalist William Prince.

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.

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.

The Nutritional Benefits of Asian Pears:

Asian pears are a great source of nutrition and provide many health benefits. They are low in calories, fat-free, and packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Additionally, Asian pears contain phytonutrients that can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases.

According to ancient Chinese medicinal traditions, Asian pears are considered a cooling fruit, used for detoxification purposes, and are consumed to reduce symptoms associated with coughs, laryngitis, ulcers, and constipation.

Flavor Profile of the Asian Pears:

Asian pears have textured, semi-rough skin displaying countless 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.

Where are Asian Pears Grown? 

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, California, Oregon, and Washington are the major producers of Asian pears, with roughly 4000-5000 acres being planted. They are also grown smaller quantities are also grown in states like Kentucky and Alabama. 

Cultivation & Harvesting of Asian Pears:

Asian pear trees require a sunny location in your garden in deep, well-drained soil and ample irrigation along with other important things-

Adequate Sunlight:

It’s best if you site your trees in a sunny spot with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Consider whether large trees or buildings will block the sun before you plant your tree. Give dwarf trees at least 6 feet of space from other plants for good light and full-sized pears about 12 to 15 feet.

Planting and Soil Conditions:

Asian pear trees preferably perform well in deep, well-drained, fertile, loamy soil, but can adapt to other soils too. Have your soil tested with the local extension office before planting to ensure a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. 

Soils with poor fertility can be compensated for by fertilizing annually. Avoid planting your trees where the soil is frequently wet.

To plant, dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball, loosening the soil in the process. When planting bare-root dwarf trees, the graft union must be 2 to 3 inches above the soil line so that the tree will maintain its size. Standard-size trees can be planted with the graft union at or just below the soil line.

Watering:

Water well when first planting and while the tree is getting established. In general, pear trees do best with an inch of water a week. Check the soil condition first and if it’s moist, the tree does not need water. Larger, more established trees require less watering but should be watered during dry spells.

Fertilizing

It’s always best to have your soil tested before applying fertilizer so that you can provide the correct balance of nutrients. If you already have fertile soil, a layer of compost and mulch could provide all the nutrients your tree needs. You can feed your pear trees with a fertilizer such as Ferti-lome Fruit, Citrus, and Pecan Tree Food.

Young Asian pear trees are trained to a central leader form and require annual winter pruning. Remove most vigorous, upright vertical growth. Train primary scaffold branches to more horizontal angles via branch spreaders or other means. Shortening branches with heading cuts may be used to encourage more fruitful growth.

Asian pears are prolific producers and need to be thinned throughout the life of the tree to encourage the production of better-quality fruit. In late spring, thin all young fruitlets to approximately 5” apart.

Harvesting

For me, Asian pears are ready to pick as soon as they look ripe on the tree. This may depend on your variety and location, but at my place in Philadelphia this is usually between late August and early September. Ripe Asian pears on russeted cultivars will change from green to light brown or orange and from green to greenish yellow on smoother skinned varieties.

You can always try a sample before harvesting them to make sure! At room temperature, Asian pears will keep for 1-2 weeks and about 3 months in cold refrigeration. 

How to Pick Asian Pears?

When selecting Asian pears, look for firm and slightly heavy ones for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes on the skin, as these will indicate a lack of freshness. Additionally, smell the pear before consuming it to ensure it has a sweet aroma; this indicates that it’s ripe and ready to eat. 

Where to Find the Best Quality Asian Pears:

The best quality Asian pears are available at Asian markets or specialty stores. Additionally, many grocery stores may carry them seasonally; if they are available in your area, look for ones with a vibrant color and a sweet smell. 

They are available at most grocery stores such as Trader’s Joe and WholeFoods, along with supermarkets like Walmart, Target and Kroger.

How to Store Asian Pears?

In terms of storing, you should consider a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. They can also be refrigerated for up to two weeks; wrap them individually in plastic before putting them in the refrigerator to help maintain their freshness. Finally, if you want to freeze Asian pears, peel and core them before freezing.

Various Culinary Uses

Asian pears can be eaten fresh as a snack or in salads and other dishes. They can also be cooked into chutneys, jams, pies, and tarts. They can also be used to make sauces and dressings, providing flavor and nutrition to any meal.

Here are some my favorite culinary recipes using the Asian Pears.

Deserts & Sweets

1. Asian Pear Crisp with Coconut and Ginger: A sweet dessert featuring sliced Asian pears topped with a mixture of coconut, oats, and candied ginger, baked until golden brown.
2. Hasselback Asian Pears with Rosemary Syrup: A visually stunning dessert where pears are slow roasted in a rosemary syrup, perfect for holiday gatherings.
3. Asian Pear Sorbet: A refreshing dessert made with Asian pears, sake, sugar, and lemon juice.
4. Asian Pear Turnovers with Miso Glaze: Flaky pastry filled with spiced Asian pears and topped with a savory miso glaze.

Salads and Sides

1. Asian Pear Slaw with Ginger and Lime: A crunchy slaw combining Asian pears with ginger and lime, great as a side dish or topping.
2. Asian Pear Cole Slaw Recipe: A twist on traditional coleslaw, featuring Asian pears, cabbage, fennel, and celery.
3. Crunchy Kale & Asian Pear Salad With Granola: A nutritious salad blending kale, Asian pears, and crunchy granola.

Main Courses

1. Pork tenderloin with Asian pears: Slow-cooked pork tenderloin paired with caramelized onions and Asian pears.
2. Pork chops with Asian pear and caramelized onion: A quicker version of the tenderloin recipe, ready in just 25 minutes.
3. Ginger-soy glazed pork chops with Asian ear Slaw: Pork chops glazed with ginger-soy sauce, served with a fresh Asian pear slaw.
4. Beef patty with Asian pear Sanjeok: A Korean dish featuring beef patties mixed with grated Asian pear, grilled or pan-fried.

In Conclusion:

Whether they are Chinese or Japanese, Asian pears are an excellent addition to any diet due to their sweet flavor and high nutritional content. Their versatility makes them perfect for various recipes, so don’t be afraid to experiment with this delicious fruit! Try some of the culinary ideas I have mentioned or develop your own to make the most of Asian pears.

So, next time when you need some luck, you know what to buy!