'Shinko' Asian Pear

The Shinko Asian Pear is a Japanese variety first introduced in 1941 and still considered one of the finest Asian pears for both flavour and storage. 

Shinko produces medium-to-large, round fruits with a golden-brown russeted skin and crisp, juicy white flesh. The flavour is sweet, aromatic, and complex — often described as honeyed with a refreshing hint of acidity. Compared to Hosui, Shinko's flesh is firmer and denser, giving it excellent texture and bite. It’s outstanding for fresh eating, sliced into fruit salads, or paired with cheeses and charcuterie. Its firm texture also makes it excellent for baking, canning, and preserves, and it can be juiced or added to desserts.

One of Shinko’s greatest strengths is its storage ability. While many Asian pears keep 1-2 months, Shinko stores for 3-4 months under refrigeration without losing crispness. 

Shinko Asian pear trees are vigorous and naturally disease-resistant — particularly noted for their resistance to fire blight, which makes Shinko a reliable choice.

Asian pears are attractive trees with dark green, shiny leaves and a growth habit that is more open than tight, upright European pears. Asian pears ripen on the tree and are ready to harvest in late summer to early fall.

Common names: Shinko Pear, Shinko Asian Pear, Shinko Nashi Pear, Japanese Russet Pear

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: September-October

Scientific name: Pyrus pyrifolia 'Shinko'
Light requirements: Full sun 
Full-grown size: Semi-dwarf (10-15' tall)
Hardiness: Zone 5
Pollination: Partially self-fertile, but like most Asian pears, fruit set and yield improve greatly with cross-pollination with another variety of Asian pear.
Wildlife: Spring blossoms attract pollinators. Fruit attracts wildlife.
Origin: Japanese cultivar released in 1941.
Noteworthy: One of the longest keeping Asian pears, lasting 3-4 months if refrigerated. Best resistance to fire blight.