Unlike other types of pears, the Asian pear has an apple-like taste. This article will provide you with more information about this pear, which is native to certain parts of Asia.
As the name rightly suggests, Asian pear is native to China, Japan, and Korea. Nowadays, this pear is cultivated in other regions too. The fruits are like apples in shape and texture, but have the sweet and tart taste of pears. So, this pear is also known as apple pear, papple, Nashi apple, and bapple. They are also known as Korean pear, Japanese pear, Taiwan pear, sand pear, nashipati, or nashpati.
While most of the Chinese varieties have greenish-yellow fruits, Japanese pears are clear yellow, yellowish brown, or brown. Most of the cultivars have round-shaped fruits, but some types, especially the green ones, produce fruits with tear-drop shape. Asian pears have a very strong scent. They are usually eaten raw (after peeling), but are also used for preparing salads and other recipes. Asian pear is not preferred for preparing pies and jams, as they have a very high water content. Even the grainy texture of the flesh makes this pear unsuitable for such preparations. Unlike most of the other pear types that have to be ripened after harvesting, Asian pear is mostly harvested, after they get ripe. They have a longer shelf life, especially when they are wrapped and refrigerated. So these fruits are handled carefully, to avoid bruises that can affect their shelf life. Asian pears are prone to bruises, due to the high water content.
Growing Asian Pear Tree
Though, they are considered as non-messy trees that are easy to grow, you must take extra care with regard to watering, pruning, feeding, and pest control. Asian pears require nutritious and well-drained soil. As in case of other pear species, Asian pear trees too require a good amount of water. So, provide them with around seven gallons of water, preferably once a week. Feeding is usually done in February and May. Most people opt for cotton seed meal for feeding Asian pear trees. Prune them in such a way that sunlight can reach almost all branches. It will take around three years for an Asian pear tree to produce good quality fruits. Usually, harvesting is done as the fruits ripe.
Nutrients in 100 grams of Asian Pear
A great source of nutrients and dietary fiber, the Asian pear is low in calories too. 100 grams of this fruit amounts to 42 calories, and have a water content of 88 grams. It contains four grams of dietary fiber, seven grams of sugar, and 10.65 grams of carbohydrates. Other nutrients and their values are enlisted in the following table.
| Nutrient | Value |
| Vitamin C | 3.8 mg |
| Folate | 8 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.12 mg |
| Vitamin K | 4.5 mcg |
| Calcium | 4 mg |
| Magnesium | 8 mg |
| Potassium | 121 mg |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg |
* Source: USDA National Nutrient Database
In short, Asian pear can be a delicious as well as nutritious addition to your diet. Apart from the nutrients, this pear also provides a different flavor. However, Asian pears are expensive, and this is partly due to the low yield. Select those fruits with a strong scent. Avoid those with bruises and brown spots. Even the ripe fruits are hard, but they are ready to eat.
