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# Fruit of the Month: Asian Pear
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/fruit_of_the_month_asian_pear_1104100535/
- Published: 2010-04-11T17:34:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:02:57.000Z
- Description: Asian pears ripen on the tree and are crisp, juicy and ready to eat at harvest, unlike European pears picked green and ripened at room temperature. A medium raw pear carries 50 calories and 4 g of fiber; varieties include the 20th Century, Hosui and Ya Li.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Food, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Fruit of the Month: Asian Pear

Asian pears are cousins to the pears that are typically seen in grocery stores, but this fruit is similar to an apple and its many names reflect that characteristic. Other names that this fruit goes by are: Chinese pear, Japanese pear, Sand, Nashi, and apple pear.

|  | **Asian Pear** Serving size 1 med. pear, raw (122g) Amounts Per Serving% Daily Value Calories 50 Calories from Fat 5 Total Fat 0g 0% Saturated Fat 0g 0% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 0mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 13g 4%  Dietary Fiber 4g 14%  Sugars 9g Protein 1g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 8% Calcium 0% Iron 2% **\* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.** |
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Asian pears differ from the traditional European ones. These pears are usually round, firm to touch when ripe, and are ready to eat after harvest. Asian pears reach prime quality when they ripen on the tree, like an apple and peach. These pears will be crisp, juicy, and slightly sweet with some tartness, especially near the core.

While European pears have the bulbous bottoms and tapering tops, they are not ready to eat until they are slightly soft and must be picked during the green stage and ripen at room temperature. European pears will be soft and juicy, with a sweeter, mellower taste. European pears will be brown at the core and an unpleasant taste if they are tree-ripened.

There are several Asian pear varieties available. Japanese pears are more round in shape, while the Chinese pears are more oval or pyriform (pear-shaped).

In the United States, the Japanese type of Asian pear called 20th Century or Nijisseki is the most popular. It is easily identified with its round shape and smooth yellow skin. Other common varieties include the Japanese bronze-toned Hosui pear and the pear-shaped Ya Li, a pale-green Chinese variety.

Selection

Select the most fragrant and unbruised fruit with little to no brown spots. Ripe Asian pears are hard and do not soften. They are ready to eat when purchased.

Storage

Asian pears are known for keeping well. Store pears a week at room temperature or up to three months in the refrigerator.

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Recipes

**Asian Pear Slaw with Chilies**  
Makes 6 servings  
Each serving equals 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetables   
Source: Chris Faulkner for Melissa’s Variety Produce, Inc.

*Ingredients*

> 6 celery ribs   
> 4 Tbsp fresh lime juice   
> 4 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar   
> 1 tsp ginger root  
> 6 Asian Pears, sliced ¼-inch thick   
> 3 scallions, thinly sliced on diagonal  
> ¼ cup Cilantro leaves   
> ½ tsp Fresno chili or Jalapeno chili, finely chopped

Whisk together juice, vinegar, and ginger and stir in celery and remaining ingredients with salt and pepper to taste. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 67, Protein 2g, Fat 0g, Calories from Fat 0%, Cholesterol 0mg, Carbohydrates 17g, Fiber 1g, Sodium 52mg.

*From fruits and veggies matter*