Nashi - Japanese varieties

Pyrus pyrifolia (Japanese pear) is a deciduous tree of the Rosaceae family, native to East Asia. Botanically, it is characterized by large leaves and fruits – pears, which are usually spherical in shape, resembling apples, with bronze-brown or yellow-green skin. A unique feature is the texture of the flesh: it is firm, crisp, and extremely juicy, and unlike European pears, it does not soften to a buttery consistency when ripe. Nutritionally, the fruit is valued for its high water content, low energy value, and significant fiber and potassium content. The phytochemical profile is specific due to the abundant occurrence of sclereids (stone cells) in the flesh, which cause the typical grainy texture. In terms of bioactive substances, they are rich in phenolic compounds, especially chlorogenic acid and the glycoside arbutin, which has mild disinfectant effects on the urinary tract and antioxidant activity.