Pear story
Why does pear flesh feel gritty?
Tiny stone cells, different ripening habits, and a mountain name tell three pear stories.
The grit comes from stone cells
Small groups of thick-walled cells stay firm while the surrounding flesh softens, giving pears their characteristic bite.
Why European pears have long necks
European pears and round Asian pears differ in shape, texture, and ripening. Many Asian pears are eaten crisp.
Niitaka takes its name from a mountain
The Japanese name Niitaka, read Shingo in Korean, refers to the mountain now known as Yushan in Taiwan.