What are asian pears exactly?

It freaks me out if I have no fruit in the house--I'm less inclined to make healthy eating decisions. So I forced myself to do my produce shopping this morning after my workout. I bought a few asian pears that were on sale. This got me thinking, what are these confused fruits exactly? Pear? Apple? Asian...what?

Other names that this fruit goes by are: Chinese pear, Japanese pear, Sand, Nashi, and apple pear. You may have heard of them...you may have tried them. They tend to be crisp, juicy, and slightly sweet with some tartness, especially near the core.


They have a lot of Vit. C which stimulates white cells to fight infection, directly kills many bacteria and viruses, and regenerates Vitamin E (an antioxidant that protects fat-soluble areas of the body) after it has been inactivated by disarming free radicals. They also have a good amount of Copper also helping to fight free radicals. 


Apple and pears are known to be full of fiber and water--the blended Asian pear has these benefits too (no surprise). But, the pear's fiber does a lot more than help prevent constipation and ensure regularity. Fiber has been shown in a number of studies to lower high cholesterol levels, good news to people at risk for atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease. Fiber in the colon binds to bile salts and carries them out of the body. Since bile salts are made from cholesterol, the body must break down more cholesterol to make more bile, a substance that is also necessary for digestion. The end result is a lowering of cholesterol levels.


Here are a few recipe ideas: 
Eat them raw like apples and pears; throw into a salad.

Sesame Noodles With Cucumber and Asian Pear

Jarlsberg Cheese & Asian Pear Turnovers

Asian Pear and Walnut Cake