Pears are an iconic organic fruit that bear cultural significance in Asian cultures. The pear, known as pyrus pyrifolia, originated in East Asia and is heavily cultivated in that region. The pears have made their way to both Australia and New Zealand, where production of the fruit is highly industrialized, but the majority of the world’s supply comes from Japan, China and Korea. Despite the Asian pear’s relationship to the pear family, it is more similar to apples than to pears.

Asian pears are widely sold in grocery stores around the world. They are acclaimed for their texture and firmness, which allows them to be used in a number of recipes without fear that the fruit will become too flimsy or soggy. Asian pears are quite sweet when compared to their Europeans cousins, making them ideal for desserts. They are much larger than other pears and are most often grown organically. These factors make Asian pears expensive and they are often given as gifts or consumed at family functions.

Because the pear holds significance in Asian cultures, they are grown organically. Some growers believe that the use of harmful chemicals is disrespectful to both the fruit and the land. Organic farming allows crops to be energy efficient, as well. While organically grown crops tend to bear smaller yields, the size of the pear, coupled with its higher price, have kept demand for the fruit stable.

Organic fruits are great sources of nutrients and Asian pears offer a number of health benefits when consumed regularly. Like their European cousins, they are high in fiber. Asian pears, however, have higher levels of pectin, a form of fiber that has been shown to lower cholesterol and protect the body from colon cancer.

This year try something new and send an organic fruit basket to a loved one, co-worker or even your boss!