The Asian pear is a round fruit similar in shape and size to an apple, and is sometime called the apple pear. It has a crunch and texture similar to that of an apple, but retains more of the sweetness and flavor of a pear. It was once cultivated primarily in China and Japan, but became popular in US due to demand by immigrants from Asia.

Demand from Asian immigrants to the US evoked popularity among residents other than Asian population. Primary cultivation of the Asian pear in the US now takes place in California’s Central Valley. Fans of the Asian pear are particularly fond of the fact that it does not require the ripening process of other pears.

While most pears need to be picked while green and allowed to ripen, the Asian pear is picked ripe and is ready to eat. It has a longer shelf life than other pears, especially when refrigerated. However, the skin is subject to bruising if the Asian pear is roughly handled during the picking, packing or shipping process.

There are actually numerous cultivars of the Asian pear. The most commonly seen varieties in the US are those with a yellow to brownish bumpy skin and a round shape. Some types of Asian pear may be tear-dropped shaped and have green to yellow skin.

The Asian pear can be found in most grocery stores from July through September, depending upon area and each season’s individual climate variations. A summer season with below normal temperatures may result in slower ripening, and one may be able to obtain the Asian pear through October, or even November in some locations.

Caring for the Asian pear is labor intensive. Trees must be pruned extensively in order to provide good-sized fruit. This means yield on trees is low. Diseases and blights may affect production of the Asian pear. Certified Organic varieties tend to have the lowest yield. There are fewer organic pesticides that can safely eliminate blight or diseases.

Since the Asian pear enjoys such popularity, but crop yield is low, the pears can be a relatively expensive fruit. Most non-organic Asian pears are between two to three US dollars (USD) per pound (.45 kg). Organic varieties may cost four to five USD per pound (.45 kg).

The Asian pear is a popular choice eaten alone, but can also be excellent in either fruit or green salads. It is not frequently used in baked recipes, since this tends to deprive the pear of its unique crunchiness.