Buy what fruitsWhat's in season at Singapore fruit stalls, and which country to look for.

Asian pears

梨 · 亚洲梨 · pir Asia

Asian pears in October (this month)

Look for China, South Korea, Japan

These origins are in fresh-crop season.

ChinaSouth KoreaJapan
Fresh cropStored / lateNot shipping
Fresh crop now (3)
CN
ChinaHebei, Xinjiang (Korla)
Fresh crop
Ya pear, Fragrant pear, Crown pear
New crop, harvest 1 month in
Harvest Aug–Oct. Long storage keeps Ya and Fragrant pears on shelves all year.
KR
South KoreaNaju, Cheonan
Fresh crop
Singo (Shingo), Wonhwang
New crop, harvest 1 month in
Harvest Sep–Oct. Large, crisp and juicy, popular as gifts around Chuseok.
JP
JapanTottori, Chiba
Fresh crop
Kosui, Hosui, Nijisseiki
New crop, harvest 2 months in
Aug–Oct. Kosui comes first in August, Nijisseiki (green) is Tottori's famous pear.

How to pick at the shelf

  • FeelFirm and heavy for its size. Asian pears should feel hard, like an apple.
  • SkinEven golden-brown or yellow-green, with no soft or wet spots.
  • SmellA light, sweet smell at the base.
  • AvoidDents and bruises. Asian pears bruise easily, so check the bottom of the box.

At home

KeepFridge
Lasts1–3 weeks

Keep each pear in its foam net so they don't bruise each other. Eat chilled.

Brand or variety on the label

Ya pearFragrant pearCrown pearSingoAutumn HoneyNashi
Buying tips (3)
  • Asian pears are eaten crisp and chilled, straight from the fridge. They don't soften as they ripen.
  • New crop arrives Aug–Oct from Japan, Korea and China. Chinese Ya and Fragrant pears are stored and sold all year.
  • Korean Singo pears are big gift pears around Chuseok and Chinese New Year.

Common questions

When is asian pears season in Singapore?
China: Sep–Nov; South Korea: Sep–Nov; Japan: Aug–Oct. Fresh-crop months by origin.
Which country's asian pears is best in October?
Look for China, South Korea, Japan.
How do I pick a ripe asian pears?
Feel: Firm and heavy for its size. Asian pears should feel hard, like an apple. Skin: Even golden-brown or yellow-green, with no soft or wet spots. Smell: A light, sweet smell at the base. Avoid: Dents and bruises. Asian pears bruise easily, so check the bottom of the box.
How should I store asian pears?
Fridge. Lasts 1–3 weeks. Keep each pear in its foam net so they don't bruise each other. Eat chilled.

More from these origins