Asian Pear Pyrus pyriflolia

This is a deciduous fruit tree native to eastern parts of Asia . Asian Pears are one of the earliest cultivated fruit trees. They are similar in appearance to standard pears, but can be eaten straight from the tree and hold up for months in cold storage. Sometimes Asian Pears are called apple pears because their texture is similar to that of apples, but with a distinctly different taste. Asian pears are self-fertile to some degree, but where reliable production is desired a pollinator is required. What follows are descriptions of the selections we sell

'20 th Century' ('Apple Pear') - This is on of the most popular selections in California and Japan . Medium size fruit is brown in color and can be stored for up to 5 months. Flesh is flavorful and slightly tart. This is an early blooming selection that ripens in mid-August. Tree needs approximately 400-450 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard

'Chojuro' - This is a highly productive selection. Medium size fruit has greenish-brown to brown skin and can be stored for up to 4 months. Flesh has a firm texture with a mildly sweet flavor. Use 'Hosui' or 'Shinko' as pollinators. 'Chojuro' has show resistance to alternaria, black spot, and scab fungus. This is an early blooming selection that ripens in mid-August. Tree needs approximately 450-500 chill hours. standard

'Hosui' - This is a very popular new selection in California and Japan , the name means "Much Water". Fruit is large in size and has a brown russet color. Flesh is crisp, juicy and flavorful with low acidity. Use '20 th Century', 'Chojuro', or 'Shinko' as pollinators. This selection ripens in early August and can be harvested through Noember. Tree needs approximately 450 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard

'Kikusui' - This selection produces a medium size fruit that is flat in shape and has thick yellowish-green colored skin. Flesh has an excellent flavor with crisp texture and is slightly tart. 'Kikusui' will not pollinate '20 th Century'. This selection ripens in mid-August and can be harvested through September. Tree needs approximately 400-450 chill hours. standard

'Nihon Nashi' ('Okusankichi') - This tree produces a large size fruit with a tan to tannish-green skin color. Flesh has a slightly tart taste and its flavor improves with storage. This is a late flowering selection that ripens in early October. Tree needs approximately 450 chill hours. standard

'Niitaka' - This is a large fruit that is brown in color with a bronzy cast. Flesh has a heavier texture than other Asian Pears with a mild flavor that greatly improves with storage (up to 4 months). 'Niitaka' is sterile requiring a pollinator to produce any fruit. Use '20 th Century' or 'Shinseiki' as pollinators. This selection ripens in late September to early October and can be stored for up to 3 months. Tree needs approximately 450 chill hours. standard

'Shinko' - This is a medium to large size fruit with a bronze colored skin that has a heavy brown russet. The flesh has a rich, distinct flavor, a favorite among consumers. Use 'Hosui', 'Chojuro', or 'Shinseiki' as pollinators. 'Shinko' appears to have a very good resistance to fire blight. This is a late blooming selection that ripens in late September to October and can be stored until Late March. Tree needs approximately 450 chill hours. Semi-dwarf and standard

'Shinseiki' - This selection produces a medium size fruit that has a smooth bright yellow skin. Flesh is sweet, juicy, and has a slightly tart taste to it. Use 'Hosui' or 'Shinko' as pollinators. This is an early blooming selection that ripens early, late July to August. Tree needs approximately 350-450 chill hours. semi-dwarf and standard

'Shinsui' - This is the best high quality, early maturing Asian Pear. The medium to large size fruit is yellow in color with a strong brown russet. Flesh is crisp and tender with an extremely high sugar content. This is an early blooming selection that ripens late July to August. Tree needs approximately 350-450 chill hours. standard

'Tsu Li' ('Tse Li')- This is a selection that is well suited for warmer climates due to its low chill requirements. A medium to large, oval shaped fruit that is light green in color. The flesh is firm, crisp and juicy with a mild sweet/tart flavor. Use 'Ya Li' as a pollinator. This selection ripens in early October. Tree needs approximately 300 chill hours. standard

'Ya Li' - This selection is well suited for milder climates. Large, pear shaped fruit is light yellow in color. Flesh is soft, crisp and juicy with a mild sweet/tart flavor. Use 'Tsu Li' as a pollinator. This selection ripens in late September to early October. Tree needs approximately 300 chill hours. standard