Asian Pears

About Asian Pears

Asian pears have been cultivated for centuries throughout China, Japan, and Korea. In the 1850s, Chinese railroad laborers brought Asian pear seeds to California. They now flourish in orchards from northern California to Oregon and Washington, with more than 25 varieties grown commercially in the U.S.

Shaped like an apple but tasting like a European pear with hints of melon or apple, Asian pears are crisp, juicy, and aromatic. Known by names such as apple pear, salad pear, Oriental pear, and Chinese pear, they are not a cross between apples and pears. The fruit is best enjoyed when left to ripen on the tree and can be stored for months while retaining its crisp texture.

Varieties

• 20th Century: Juicy, sweet, and mild-flavored, this is the most popular variety in Japan and California.
• Hosui: A highly flavorful pear with brownish-orange, russeted skin, scoring high in taste tests.
• Shinseiki: Round, yellow-skinned, and firm, this variety is sweet, juicy, and stores well for up to three months.
• Chojuro: An old variety with golden-brown skin, less juicy but stores well for up to five months.
• Ya Li and Tsu Li: Classified as Chinese pears, these are shaped like European pears, with green, sweet, and mild fruit that stores for many months.

Growing and Pollination

Asian pear trees are easy to integrate into landscapes, producing beautiful white flowers in spring. Unlike European pears, which have clusters of five blossoms, Asian pears have clusters of 10 to 12, creating a dazzling display. Some varieties, like ‘Ya Li’ and ‘Chojuro,’ also feature brilliant red to wine-colored fall foliage.

Trees bear fruit in just two to four years. While some varieties are partially self-fruitful, better crops result from planting two or more different Asian pears together. They can also be pollinated by European pears like ‘Anjou,’ ‘Bartlett,’ and ‘Bosc’ if bloom periods overlap.

Harvesting

Asian pears ripen in August, September, and October. Since they remain firm, ripeness is best determined by taste—sample a fruit from the tree. If it’s sweet and fragrant, it’s ready to harvest. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.

Garden Tips for Fall Planting

• Plant Holland flower bulbs now for spring blooms.
• Sow lawn grass seed to prepare for summer enjoyment.
• Divide overgrown water lilies and irises, repotting with heavy soil (no organic matter).
• Compost fallen leaves instead of burning them—they’ll break down into rich humus by next summer.
• Plant apples, pears, and other fruit trees from containers in fall for a head start next spring.