Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ONE SIMPLE DISH : If you have great pears, say perfectly ripe Cornices, the best
thing you can do is put them on a plate with some cracked freshly harvested walnuts and
a great blue cheese. Port, anyone?
Asian Pears
W H E R E T H E Y' R E G ROW N: Almost all of the Asian pears in the United
States come from California, although there are scattered plantings elsewhere around the
country. Harvest begins in mid- to late July and continues through September. Some vari-
eties, particularly Okusankichi, Shinseiki, Niitaka, Ya Li, Tsu Li, Dasui Li and Shin Li, do
well in cold storage.
HOW T O CHOOSE: Even though Asian pears look (and feel) as hard as rocks,
they do bruise easily. To prevent this, they are frequently sold with each fruit wrapped in
its own little plastic foam cup or sock. Asian pears are picked fully ripe. Russet varieties
should be golden brown. Smooth-skinned fruit should be yellow, not green. The Ya Li and
other pear-shaped varieties should be pale green.
