Asian Pears

When to Buy/In Season:
Late summer, August into September, depending on the variety and location.

How to Select:

Asian pears can hang on the tree until full ripe, so choose fully ripe fruit in the market. Asian pears should be juicy, lightly sweet, crisp but not hard.

Organic Issues:
Asian pear trees are delicate and prone to fire blight, a fungus, as well as insects and mildew. Because they are so sensitive, organic growers spray the trees with organic sprays, such as sulfur. During the dormant season, dormant oil sprays (mineral or vegetable oils), or liquid seaweed, among others.

Pesticide Issues:
EWG 2009 Dirty Dozen, not listed

How to Store:

Room Temperature.
Asian pears keep well at room temperature, store in a bowl on the table or counter. Refrigeration is not required.

Canning

See our Basics of Canning Fruit at Home
Home Canned fruits can be stored for up to 1 year; they may lose quality after that point. Commercially canned fruit can be stored up to 3 years.

Drying:
See our Basics of Drying Fruit at Home

Dried fruit may be stored 6 – 12 months at room temperature, or indefinetly in the freezer.

 

Photo Source: Bright Star

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