Distinct in flavor and shape from their European cousins, the fruit has a rounded appearance like an apple and skins can be rough or smooth, with colors ranging from creamy pink, pale green, and yellow to bronze and russet, depending on the type.

Also different from European varieties, Asian pears are allowed to ripen on the branch from late summer to mid-autumn, and don’t require conditioning in cold storage before eating.

Many commercially available cultivars are dwarf or semi-dwarf in size, and work nicely in small gardens. They also have low chill hour requirements, making them suitable for growing in areas with mild winters.

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Asian pear trees are loaded with lightly fragrant, pretty white blossoms in spring and finish off the season with a vivid fall display when the foliage turns intense shades of orange, red, and yellow.

Beautiful and productive, with three full seasons of interest and a handsome winter silhouette, many also have good disease resistance for easy care and maintenance – a winning combination of traits by any standard!

Now, let’s have a look at nine of the best Asian pear varieties for the home garden.

Here’s what’s ahead:

Asian pears, Pyrus pyrifolia, also known as apple, Chinese, or sand pears, are highly aromatic and tasty, and available in two different forms.

The smooth-skinned varieties typically have green or yellow skin, and a mild, sometimes melon-like or floral, sweet flavor.

The rough-skinned

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