Asian Pears, also known as apple pears or sands pears were brought to California by Chinese and Japanese immigrants. They belong to the same botanical family as apples but are more closely related to pears, however they are not a cross between the two.  Mostly grown in California, Washington, Oregon, Japan, and New Zealand, Asian Pears are available from July to late October.

Asian pears have a sweet, white, pear-like flesh that is extremely juicy and makes an excellent fruit juice.

The most popular variety worldwide is the 20^th Century, also known as the nijisseiki. Other varieties include the kousi, kikusui, shinseiki, shinko, and the niitaka.

Asian Pears are considered excellent for digestion and are a good source of potassium and B vitamins. Asian pears make a great low calorie, high fiber snack, but no matter when you eat them or how you prepare them, Asian Pears are a delicious, refreshing treat any time of the day.