Digitalseed: Asian Pears

Asian pears (Prunus pyrifolia) comprise a large group of pears that are crisp in texture and, when mature, are good to eat as soon as harvested or for several months after picking if held in cold storage. Asian pears do not change texture after picking or storage as do European pears. Often Asian pears are called apple pears because they are crisp and juicy like apples but with a different and distinctive texture. Most Asian pears listed are semi self-fruitful and will fruit sufficiently for the average home gardener. Exceptions that need pollinizers are noted. Pollinizer should be used for commercial yields.

Variety	Chill Hours	Pollination	Fruit Ripens
Twentieth Century	200-400	self-sterile	late July to mid-Aug.
Tsu Li	300	self-sterile	early Sept.
Ya Li	300	self-sterile	late Aug. to mid-Sept.
Shiseiki	350-450	self-sterile	late July through mid-Aug.
Hosui	475	self-sterile	early through late Aug.
Shinko	475	self-sterile	mid-Aug. to mid-Sept.
Chojuro	500	self-sterile	mid-Aug.
Kikusui	500	self-sterile	mid-Aug.

Twentieth Century

Medium round fruit. Thin, yellow-green skin. Firm juicy cream-white flesh, unusual but pleasing flavor.

Chill Hours:	200-400
Pollination:	self-sterile
Fruit Ripens:	late July to mid-Aug.

Tsu Li

Medium to large. Oval fruit. Slightly bitter, yellowish to green skin. Mild, sweet-tart flavor. Stores well. Should be pollinated with Ya li.

Chill Hours: 300

Pollination: self-sterile

Fruit Ripens: early Sept.

Ya Li

Large, bell-shaped fruit. Greenish-yellow skin is usually russet free. Mild , tender, white flesh. Sweet-tart flavor. Large tree with vigorous upright growth. Very productive. Store extremely well, until March. Should be pollinated with Ya li.

Chill Hours: 300

Pollination: self-sterile

Fruit Ripens: late Aug. to mid-Sept.

Shiseiki

Medium, round. Yellow, thick, fairly smooth skin. White sweet, mild, firm, slightly coarse, crisp, juicy flesh. Good Quality. Store extremely well, until March.

Chill Hours: 350-450

Pollination: self-sterile

Fruit Ripens: late July through mid-Aug.

Hosui

Medium to large. Golden russet skin. Juicy sweet flavorful, fine textured flesh. Crisp and refreshing like an apple. Good keeper.

Chill Hours: 475

Pollination: self-sterile

Fruit Ripens: early through late Aug.

Shinko

Medium to large fruit. Brownish green skin. Excellent, rich sweet flavor. Fine texture. Stores well.

Chill Hours: 475

Pollination: self-sterile

Fruit Ripens: mid-Aug. to mid-Sept.

Chojuro

Medium, round. Greenish-brown to russet brown skin. Flesh white, mildy sweet, very firm texture, crisp, somewhat coarse, good quality. Very productive. Good fall color.

Chill Hours: 500

Pollination: self-sterile

Fruit Ripens: mid-Aug.

Kikusui

Medium, round fruit. Thick yellowish-green skin, very little russetting. Flesh white, good quality, slightly tart, crisp and juicy. Very productive. Stores well.. Medium size tree.

Chill Hours: 500

Pollination: self-sterile

Fruit Ripens: mid-Aug.

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