Asian Pears
By Robert Allen
History: Originally, Asian pear trees were grown from seeds brought to America by the Chinese during California's gold rush and later by immigrants from China and Japan. However, today all Asian pears grown commercially are grown on trees grafted to special rootstocks.
Varieties: It is estimated that there are well over fifty varieties of Asian pears. A number of these varieties have been developed in the United States. There are different skin colors and types of skin, different amounts of sugar content, nuances of flavor, as well as shapes and sizes. Depending on the variety, shelf life (in cold storage) can vary from a few weeks to almost a year. The major varieties of Asian pears, especially the older, traditional varieties come from China, Japan, and Korea.
Name: Unfortunately there is no universally accepted name or way to refer to this fruit. Even referring to this fruit, as a "pear" is a misnomer and was probably used as a relational gimmick to entice westerners to purchase this fruit. Common names used for this fruit are Asian pears, oriental pears, sand pears, salad pears, apple-pears. Early growers in California promoted this fruit under the name "salad pears" as a way of increasing sales. However, probably the most common, yet most misleading western term used today to refer to these pears is "apple-pears." While many are round like an apple and a few have the shape of a pear, the porous texture, firmness, juiciness, and flavor are totally different from either a western pear or an apple. People who are familiar with the country of origin for a particular variety may refer to them as - Chinese pear, Korean pear or Japanese pear. Naturally, within these countries there are particular words in the native language used to refer to these pears. In Japanese, for example, the word "nashi" means pear. Since more westerners have come into contact with this fruit in Japan they are prone to refer to all Asian pears as "nashi," which is incorrect.
How to eat them: Many people prefer to peel the fruit so the flavor of the fruit is not corrupted by the flavor of the skin. In the orient this fruit is primarily eaten between meals as westerners would eat an apple, pear or any other fruit. It can be eaten chilled or unchilled depending on your personal preference or pleasure at the time. If you like to put salt on fruit such as cantaloupe or watermelon, you might also try it on Asian pears. Many people like to eat Asian pears as an appetizer, peeled and diced either at normal temperature or chilled, with or without a piece of cheese. As with any western fruit, Asian pears can be eaten in various types of salads or with ice cream.
Codling moth: The main pest associated with growing this fruit is the codling moth. It is easy to spot a fruit that has been invaded by codling moth larva because it leaves a dark spot that is slightly larger than a pinhead where it enters the fruit. The tiny larva proceeds to the core of the fruit where it lodges and feeds. The invasion of this pest can be controlled by the use of pesticides, however, many growers prefer not to use pesticides in growing their Asian pears since this pest does not harm the meat of the fruit in any way and peeling, slicing, and coring eliminate the larva and its small tunnel to the core.