Asian pears, also known as apple pears or sand pears, are a healthy treat that combine the best qualities of apples and pears. These fruits are a crunchy, sweet member of the pear family, but they grow to be round like an apple. The Asian pear is often given as a gift throughout East Asia, due to its long shelf-life and delicious flavor.
Asian pears can be green, yellow, or brown, and they tend to weigh several ounces each. They’re native to East Asia, but they have spread around the world and are now cultivated everywhere from Australia to Canada. They bruise easily, but with careful packaging they can be shipped anywhere.
Asian pears are loved for their crisp texture and delicately sweet taste. They are normally eaten raw, but they can be baked or roasted as well. This tasty fruit is becoming more popular worldwide as its nutritional value and delicious flavor becomes well-known.