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Pyrus pyrifolia

life science Maturity 9-11 Next article →

The *Pyrus pyrifolia* is a species of pear tree that holds great importance in many cultures. It is native to southern China and northern Indochina. Today, it has been introduced to many other places like Korea, Japan, and even America. Because of its many names, it can be hard to track. People call it the Asian pear, Japanese pear, or even the sand pear. In Japan, the fruit is known as nashi. It is also sometimes called the nashi pear when grouped with other similar varieties. These trees are more than just food sources. In East Asia, the flowers are a popular symbol of early spring. They are a common sight in both gardens and the countryside.

Nijusseiki nashi - Japanese pears by akira yamada
Nijusseiki nashi - Japanese pears by akira yamada

Eating a *Pyrus pyrifolia* fruit is a unique experience. These pears are quite large and very fragrant. They are very different from European pear varieties. While many pears are soft, these have a high water content. This makes them very juicy and gives them a crisp, grainy texture. Because they are so juicy, the fruit tends to bruise easily. To prevent this, they must be wrapped very carefully. If you keep them in a cold, dry place, they can last for several weeks or even longer.

Pyrus pyrifolia kosui
Pyrus pyrifolia kosui

There are two main groups of cultivars, which are specific varieties of the tree. Most cultivars belong to the Akanashi group. These are often called "Russet pears" because they have yellowish-brown rinds. The second group is the Aonashi group, or "Green pears." These varieties have yellow-green rinds. Many specific types have been developed over time. For example, the 'Nijisseiki' cultivar was identified in Japan in 1898. Its name actually means "20th century." Another important variety is 'Kosui,' which was identified in 1959. It is currently the most important cultivar in Japan.

Pyrus pyrifolia kosui
Pyrus pyrifolia kosui

Cultivars have been recorded throughout history. In Japan, the 'Chojuro' variety was identified around 1893. The 'Niitaka' variety appeared in 1927. In Korea, a variety called 'Hwangkeum' was identified in 1984. This specific pear is a cross between 'Niitaka' and 'Nijisseiki.' In Australia, commercial production of these pears began in 1980. In Taiwan, pears harvested from Japan have been considered luxurious presents since 1997. These dates show how humans have worked to grow and spread these trees across the globe.

These pears play a significant role in cooking and nutrition. Because they are large and can be expensive, they are often given as gifts. They are also commonly served to guests or eaten during family gatherings. In the kitchen, ground pears can act as a sweetener. They are often used in sauces made from soy sauce or vinegar instead of sugar. They are also used to marinate meat, especially beef. In the Korean dish bulgogi, pear is used because it contains enzymes. These enzymes help to tenderize the proteins in the meat.

Nijusseiki nashi - Japanese pears by akira yamada
Nijusseiki nashi - Japanese pears by akira yamada

Cultural traditions surrounding the pear are quite diverse. In China, the term for "sharing a pear" is a homophone for the word "separate." This means sharing a pear with a loved one can sound like a desire to be apart. In Japan, the word "nashi" can be used as a kigo. A kigo is a "season word" used in haiku poetry. The pear flower is a kigo for spring, while the fruit can be a kigo for late autumn. In South Korea, the city of Naju even has a museum called The Naju Pear Museum and Pear Orchard for Tourists.

Agriculture for these trees varies by location. In Nepal and the Himalayan states of India, they are grown as a cash crop. Farmers cultivate them in the Middle Hills at specific elevations where the climate is suitable. Because the fruit bruises easily, it is often carried to markets by human porters. Increasingly, trucks are used to move the fruit, though they are not carried over very long distances. In Cyprus, the pears were investigated as a new crop in the early 1990s. They were eventually introduced to the island in 2010 and are now grown in Kyperounta.

Pyrus pyrifolia kosui
Pyrus pyrifolia kosui
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File:Pyrus pyrifolia kosui.jpg
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File:Nijusseiki nashi - Japanese pears by akira yamada.jpg
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