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Yali pears are tear-drop shaped and usually slanted to one side with a large base that tapers to a smaller, narrow neck. They have long, brown stems and thin green skin that transforms to yellow when ripe. This skin is firm and smooth with light russeting and prominent dark green pores covering its surface. Yali pears' cream-colored flesh is crisp, moist, fine-grained, and aromatic, encasing a central core with a few small black seeds. They are also somewhat softer than other Asian pears, making them more susceptible to bruising. When ripe, Yali pears are sweet, mildly tart, and juicy, with flavor notes of cinnamon, anise, spice, vanilla, and butterscotch.
Seasons/Availability
Yali pears are available in the early fall through winter.
Current Facts
Yali pears are botanically classified as Pyrus pyrifolia, along with all other Asian pear varieties. They are members of the Rosaceae family which also includes stone fruits like apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums as well as apples, loquats, and European pear varieties. Also known as Singing Bird or Chinese white pears, this variety's name comes from the word ya, which means duck, and li, which means pear. Duck pear is a reference to the fruit’s mallard-like shape. Yali pears are one of the most popular Asian cultivars in China and also one of the most commercially cultivated, accounting for over thirty-four percent of the country's pear exports. This variety is also popular in Korea and Japan, favored for their sweet flavor and delicate texture.
Nutritional Value
Yali pears are a significant source of vitamin C, supporting the immune system, combatting free radicals, and promoting healthy skin through collagen production. Copper, another key nutrient in these pears, plays a vital role in energy production and maintaining connective tissues. Yali pears are also rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health by aiding in regular bowel movements and promoting satiety and gut health. The potassium in Yali pears helps regulate blood pressure, contributing to cardiovascular health. The antioxidants found in these fruits help protect cells from oxidative damage, while their vitamin K content is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Yali pears, like many other Asian pear varieties, are used in Chinese medicine for detoxifying the body and treating coughs, laryngitis, ulcers, and constipation. They are also believed to promote a clearer complexion, reduce under-eye circles, and alleviate retinal discomfort.
Applications
Yali pears are suited for both raw and cooked applications such as roasting and grilling. They can be enjoyed fresh, used as a substitute for regular pears in recipes, blended with squash soup, or sliced into green salads with Thai basil, crab, tofu, or chicken. They also complement pasta salads and fruit salads with grapes and apples. Yali pears may be poached in wine and halved, then roasted or grilled, and served alongside pork, lamb, or chicken dishes. This variety compliments ingredients like hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, honey, golden raisins, persimmons, apricots, figs, apples, lemons, oranges, honey, beets, squash, sweet potatoes, herbs such as basil, dill, and parsley, cheeses such as parmesan, feta, goat, cheddar, and blue, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, rosemary, and anise. They will keep for up to one week at room temperature or up to three weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Chinese culture, the Wild Pear tree has long been revered as a sacred tree, symbolizing prosperity, good health, and future happiness, with the fruit representing divine sustenance, abundance, and longevity. The tree's long life and its ability to bear fruit for decades have led to the pear becoming a symbol of immortality in Chinese tradition, often featured in tapestries and prints, and used as offerings at family shrines to honor loved ones who have passed on. The pear carries a dual meaning in Chinese culture due to its homophonic relationship with the word for separation, symbolizing closeness and healthy relationships but cautioning against sharing pears with loved ones, as it may be seen as a symbol of parting.
Geography/History
Yali pears are native to China, where they originated during the 1800s. They flourish in climates with high sun exposure and well-drained soils. These pears are a cultivated variety that has been widely grown and selectively bred in China, both commercially and in home gardens, since their inception. They are a descendant of the Asian pears that have been harvested in Japan and China for the past 3,000 years. Asian pears and their many varietals began to grow in popularity when they were brought to Queens, New York, in the 1820s, then making their way to the west coast of the United States when many Chinese immigrants arrived there during the Gold Rush. Today, Yali pears can be found at local markets, specialty stores, and in home gardens in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States.
Farmers Market Santa Monica
Arizona Ave & 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/farmers-market
Yali Pears: Yali pears are tear-drop shaped with a large base tapering to a slender neck, featuring thin green skin that turns yellow when ripe. Their cream-colored flesh is crisp, moist, and aromatic, offering a sweet and mildly tart flavor with cinnamon, anise, vanilla, and butterscotch notes. Their softer texture compared to other Asian pears makes them prone to bruising.
State Street Farmer's Market - Carlsbad Village
2907 State St Carlsbad Ca 9200&
+1 (760) 453-7076
Yali pears are versatile fruits that work well in both raw and cooked forms. They can replace regular pears in recipes, enhance squash soup, or add texture to salads with ingredients like Thai basil or tofu. They pair exceptionally with nuts, dried fruits, citrus, herbs, cheeses, and warming spices. For longer freshness, keep them at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for up to three weeks.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Yali Pears from Penryn Orchard Specialties..Yali Pears: Known as "Duck Pears" for their mallard-like shape, these fruits are botanically classified as Pyrus pyrifolia, part of the Rosaceae family. Popular in China, Korea, and Japan, they make up over 34% of China's pear exports. Nutritionally, they are rich in vitamin C, copper, fiber, and potassium, supporting immunity, digestion, cardiovascular health, and skin vitality. Traditional uses include detoxifying and addressing coughs, laryngitis, and other ailments.
Yali pears are a unique variety originating in China during the 1800s and are descendants of Asian pears cultivated for over 3,000 years. They thrive in sunny climates with well-drained soils and were introduced to the U.S. in the 1820s, gaining further traction on the west coast during the Gold Rush. Nowadays, you can find Yali pears in local markets and specialty stores across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States, as well as in home gardens.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock st, #150, San Diego, CA 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
Yali Pears From Penryn Orchard Specialties…Wild Pear Trees symbolize prosperity, good health, abundance, and longevity in Chinese culture. Their long lifespan and ability to bear fruit for decades make them symbols of immortality. Pears are used as offerings at family shrines to honor loved ones but are often avoided in sharing due to their homophonic link to the word for separation, cautioning it may signify parting instead of closeness.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Yali Pears from Penryn Orchard Specialties..Yali Pears have a tear-drop shape, typically slanted to one side with a wide base and a narrow neck. Their thin green skin turns yellow as they ripen, featuring a smooth texture with light russeting and green pores. Inside, their cream-colored flesh is crisp and aromatic. The flavor combines sweet and mildly tart notes, with hints of cinnamon, anise, spice, vanilla, and butterscotch for a layered taste experience.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92109
619-295-3172 [email protected]
Yali Pears From Penryn Orchard Specialties..Yali Pears: Yali pears are versatile, suitable for raw or cooked dishes like roasting and grilling. They pair well in salads with Thai basil, crab, or chicken, and can be poached in wine or grilled alongside meats like pork or lamb. They complement ingredients like nuts, honey, figs, and spices such as cinnamon and rosemary. Stored properly, they last up to one week at room temperature or three weeks in the fridge.
Foodtown Supermarket
6423 Stirling Rd Davie, FL 33314 United States
+1 (954) 797-7790
Yali pears, also called Singing Bird or Chinese white pears, derive their name from the Chinese words "ya" (duck) and "li" (pear), referencing their mallard-shaped appearance. These pears belong to the Pyrus pyrifolia species and the Rosaceae family, which includes fruits like apples and cherries. Widely cultivated in China, Yali pears account for over 34% of the country's pear exports and are celebrated in Korea and Japan for their sweet taste and delicate texture.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St
6192953172
Yali Pears from Penryn Orchard Specialties…Yali Pears trace their roots to China, where they were developed in the 1800s as a cultivated variety of Asian pears, a type harvested for over 3,000 years in Japan and China. Their growth in popularity expanded after Asian pears reached Queens, New York, in the 1820s, then the U.S. west coast during the Gold Rush. Today, Yali pears are cultivated globally in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States.