Asian Pear Delivery or Pickup

Asian pears are also called Japanese pears, Korean pears, Chinese pears, Taiwanese pears, apple pears, papples, Zodiac pears, bae, three-halves pears, Nashi pears, and sand pears. They're native to East Asia, and people have been growing them for at least 3,000 years. The tree's beautiful white flowers are a symbol of spring in the region. The flowers are the official symbol of Kamagaya-Shi, a city in Japan, and the Naju Pear Museum and pear orchard are in South Korea. 

Asian pears also grow in New Zealand, Australia, and India. Chinese laborers introduced them to the United States when they traveled to California in the 1850s. These pears are shaped like apples, and each one has five black or brown seeds. The flesh is crisp, watery, and slightly grainy. People often serve Asian pears to guests or give them to friends as gifts. They're larger than many other types of fruit, so they're great for sharing. The skins are relatively rough, so they also travel well without bruising when they're securely wrapped and packaged.

Ripe Asian pears feel firm, and their skin may be slightly translucent. They have an aromatic, sweet smell, but it may not be as strong in cold weather. Asian pears that are too ripe feel softer, and they may look bruised or wrinkled. These pears usually fall from the trees only after they become fully ripe, so you shouldn't find many unripe ones. 

You can keep fresh Asian pears in your refrigerator for up to a month. The flesh of sliced Asian pears will turn brown over time as they're exposed to oxygen, but their flavors shouldn't change. Frozen Asian pears are available through Instacart as well. 

There are thousands of varieties of Asian pears, and each one has its own unique texture and flavor. Akanishi or russet pears have yellowish-brown skins, and Aonashi or green pears are yellowish-green. Some other Asian pears are more pear-shaped, and they're light green with brown patches.

Chojuro means plentiful in Japanese, and this variety produces ample fruit with a sweet, butterscotch flavor and brown skin. It usually matures in August. Hosui means abundant juice in Japanese, and its large, juicy fruit has a golden, bronze, or orangish color. It ripens in August as well, and it's popular in Japan and California. The aroma has notes reminiscent of brandy, but it may taste more like rum when it's very ripe.

Shinseiki Asian pears are round and have yellow skin, and they're usually ready to eat in July. They can bear fruit more than once in one season. Kosui pears are yellow with a subtle green tint, small to medium, and apple-shaped. They have a sweet, slightly tart flavor. Tse Li or Tsu Li pears are large, green, and pear-shaped. They also taste very sweet, and their flavor continues to improve after harvesting.