Asian Pear

Sometimes called “apple pears” because of their apple-like shape and pear-like taste, Asian pears are probably one of the first domesticated fruits. With hundreds of cultivars, varieties include Japanese, Korean (which tend to be round), and Chinese (slightly more elongated) pears. Asian pear skin is matte or textured, and its color ranges from green to bronze to gold. The cream-colored flesh is firm and crisp, with a surprising array of subtle flavors that intensify as you get closer to the core. Asian pears are a great source of dietary fiber. Their season begins in the heat of August and lasts well into the wool-hat portion of fall.