Asian Pears - Plus a family story
Post sponsored by Welcome to PDX Real Estate Agent, Deb
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Post sponsored by Welcome to PDX Real Estate Agent, Deb 〰️
Asian Pears - What are They?
One of the first things my (Alice Ma, board member) first-generation Asian American parents wanted to plant after we bought our first family home was an Asian pear tree. Luckily, Asian pear trees have been available in the U.S since the 1850s and are widely available around the country, with several varieties being abundant in the Pacific Northwest.
Being of their appearance, Asian pears are sometimes known as apple pears. You may also see Asian pears labeled as Japanese, Korean, or Chinese pears at the grocery store rather than by a specific cultivar name. Asian pears have a long season in Portland, with varieties like Kosui being ready as early as late July, Chojuro and 20th Century pears coming in during September, and Korean Giants being available October-November.
Asian pear harvested in 2023!
When & how to Harvest
Unlike European pears, Asian pears can fully ripen on the tree without affecting the final texture. Ripeness can be more difficult to assess on an Asian pear compared to a European pear, as the texture of an Asian pear is crisp and the skin is springy rather than soft when ripe. Ripeness can be assessed by the sweet aroma of the Asian pear as well as the pear’s size. Ripe Asian pears are heavy for their size and easily removed from their branch. If an Asian pear develops several brown spots (not bruises), that is an indication of overripeness.
Harvesting Asian pears properly involves the classic “twist and pull” method to pick the fruit with its stem. Asian pears bruise easily, so place them carefully in your container when picking. Asian pears are an excellent fruit for storage, as they can last a few months in refrigeration (depending on variety) and about a week on the counter after ripening. For longer term storage, Asian pears can be dehydrated or canned.
what do they taste like?
How to Store
Asian pears are an excellent fruit for storage, as they can last a few months in refrigeration (depending on variety) and about a week on the counter after ripening. For longer term storage, Asian pears can be dehydrated or canned.
what do they taste like?
Asian pears are delicious all on their own as a snack, and are often eaten in East Asian countries as a dessert. Generally speaking, the fruit is crispy with a slight grainy texture, and ripe pears are very juicy and sweet. Asian pears will maintain some of their grainy and crispy texture when cooked, so they are best used in recipes like sorbet or a marinade where they are pureed. Additionally, highlighting their flavor and texture in a simple poached pear recipe is both quick and easy. Asian pears are also commonly used as an ingredient in Korean bulgogi marinade, which can be applied to both meat and vegetarian proteins to make a delicious bibimbap rice bowl! Lastly, Asian pears can be used in several baked goods or salad recipes in the same way a European pear would be used.
Do you have extra and need help?
Talk to your neighbors! It’s a great way to meet them and you can share your abundance hyper locally!
Donate it through Portland Fruit Tree Project’s Fruit Fridge! Harvest and drop off at your convenience and we’ll get it all used up!
Can’t harvest it? Register for us to come harvest for you!
Looking to add berries or other plants to your landscape?
Heads up from our friends and sponsors, Portland Nursery! Great sale coming up from Aug. 29-9/18!
All Trees 25% off – includes Fruit trees, Japanese Maples, Native trees, and anything stocked in the Tree section. Does not include conifers
Small Fruits 25% off – includes anything stocked in the Small Fruit section – doesn’t include native fruits
Take the next step with Portland Fruit Tree Project!
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