Description
20th Century Asian Pear (also known as “Nijisseiki”, which means “20th Century” in Japanese) is one of the most beloved and widely grown Asian pear varieties in both Japan and the United States, with origins tracing to a chance seedling discovered in Matsudo, Japan in 1898.
The medium-to-large, yellow-green fruits have pure white, fine-grained flesh, and deliver the classic Asian pear experience: crisp like an apple, juicy, mild, and sweet with a flavor that’s outstanding for fresh eating, salads, and cheese boards. SparrowOak’s Farm (Smith River, CA) grows this variety – and others – on land that hasn’t been sprayed in over 24 years.
Asian pears vary in color from golden yellow to deep bronze, and can vary in shape and size: the most commonly grown in the United States are Japanese varieties, which have a round squat shape similar to that of an apple. Less commonly grown are the Chinese varieties, which have a more traditional pear shape with bulbous bottom and elongated top, similar to that of European pears.
Prized for their crunchy texture, the creamy white flesh of the Asian pear is exceptionally juicy with a sweet low acid flavor and fragrant aroma. Unlike regular pears Asian pears are sold ripe and maintain their crisp texture long after being picked. Careful handling must be practiced when picking, packing and transporting Asian pears as their delicate skin bruises and becomes discolored easily.
