Asian Pear

Appearance and Shape: Unlike the typical "pear-shaped" European pear, most Asian pear varieties are rounded or oval, resembling an apple. The skin color varies widely, ranging from yellow-green (Aonashi group) to bronze, russeted, or golden-brown (Akanashi group), often displaying prominent speckles (lenticels). Texture and Flavor: Asian pears are known for their distinct texture—they are exceptionally crisp and juicy like an apple, but with a fine-grained, slightly gritty texture due to the presence of stone cells. They are sweet, sometimes with a subtle tartness, a low acidity, and delicate floral notes. Ripening: A key difference from European pears is that Asian pears ripen fully on the tree and maintain their firm, crisp texture after harvest; they do not soften when stored. They are best eaten fresh and raw