Have you ever had one of these?
It’s an Asian pear…or a “Japanese Apple Pear”, as I’ve heard them called before. I’ve seen them in the store many times but I’ve never tried one…this week was the week!
According to Wikipedia, an Asian “apple pear” isn’t a cross between an apple and a pear like I always thought it was. It’s sometimes called an “apple pear” because it’s shape and crispness is more reminiscent of an apple than a traditional pear. Asian pears have a really high water content, so they’re typically eaten raw and not baked or cooked like apples can be.
Ever wonder why they come wrapped in this fancy styrofoam webbing? Apparently they are especially prone to bruising because they’re so juicy. Not a bad reason to need a little extra padding!
Wikipedia also said that the Asian pear is typically served peeled, but I didn’t peel mine. I cut it up just like an apple and enjoyed it with the skin on.
The fruit was crisp and grainy like an apple, and really juicy. The flavor, though, was just okay. It wasn’t as flavorful as the apples and pears I’ve eaten lately…it actually reminded me of jicama…super juicy crisp texture, but really watery and mild flavor.
Maybe I just picked a “meh” Asian pear? Or perhaps I’ve had some exceptionally good honeycrisp apples lately and it’s an unfair comparison? I should compare apples to apples and oranges Asian pears to Asian pears, after all…
Nevertheless, I would try an Asian pear again. They are not as readily available and they can be a little pricey it seems (I paid about $2-something for this one) but it was a nice change from the more common fruits!
How about you? Have you ever tried an Asian pear? Did you like it?
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