Pyrus pyrifolia
Rosaceae
Nashi, Japanese Pear, Asian Pear, Sand Pear
Nashi fruits don’t become as soft as European pears when ripe. They are sweet, juicy, but harder and may be considered a milder taste than European pears. The texture is closer to an apple.
Uses
Fresh or as preserves.
Culture
They don’t require the high winter chilling of the European pear (ie. it grows in warmer areas).
High rainfall close to harvest can cause fruit to split. They like reasonably fertile, deep, well drained soils and a pH around 6.5.
Protection from wind is also very important. Trees should be planted 4 5m apart and trained with one main central trunk.
Under good growing conditions and adequate cross pollination, nashi will produce an abundance of fruit. Cross pollination is strongly recommended and therefore plant at least two different varieties. Thinning is needed to get reasonable size fruit.
Propagation
Grafted cultivars are best for optimum fruit production.
Cultivars
Various cultivars are grown, including hybrids with other species; notably Pyrus pyrifolia X P. ussuriens
Plant Health
Susceptible to the same pests and diseases as other pears; but more resistant to scab.
Routine pesticide spraying may be needed to get quality pest and disease free fruit.
Birds can be a problem also.
More info
Best to harvest as they ripen, once the skin begins to turn yellow, a slight fragrance can be detected and very slight softening has started.