FoodFood InformationFruitDeciduousPears
The Asian pear looks like a russet-skinned Anjou and eats like a verycrisp, juicy apple. It seems to be a cross between an apple and a pear,but is an entirely separate breed. Asian pears, which are also called Japanesepears, are, not surprisingly, of Far Eastern origin and are highly prizedin the Orient.
Although grown in California, much of the small crop is exported to theFar East. The balance is shipped to the wholesale terminals in the largercities and purchased by merchants who supply stores in Chinatowns. Sincethe demand always exceeds the limited supply, this unusual but tasty fruitalways sells at lofty prices, usually about twice the going rate for fineapples or pears.
Japanese pears, like apples, are best when very firm. Always storeunder refrigeration.
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