Nashi - Asian pears

Pyrus pyrifolia (Japanese pear) and Pyrus × bretschneideri (Chinese pear) are deciduous trees of the Rosaceae family, native to East Asia. Botanically, they differ fundamentally from European pears in the texture of their flesh: it is firm, crisp, and extremely juicy, and does not soften to a buttery consistency as it ripens. While P. pyrifolia usually has spherical (apple-shaped) fruits with brownish, often rough skin, P. × bretschneideri produces elongated pear-shaped fruits with light, smooth skin. Nutritionally, they are high in water, fiber, and potassium and low in calories. Their phytochemical profile is specific in that they contain abundant sclereids (stone cells) in the flesh. They are rich in phenolic compounds, especially arbutin (which has disinfectant effects on the urinary tract) and chlorogenic acid, which give them antioxidant properties.