Vietnamese Mountain Pear belongs to the genus Pyrus and the Rosaceae family. It is a local pear grown in several mountainous provinces of northern Vietnam, particularly areas with cool to cold climates such as Lang Son and Ha Giang. The fruit is generally elongated or slightly oval, with greenish-yellow to yellow-brown skin, a slightly rough surface, white crisp flesh, high water content and a mildly sweet flavor with light acidity.
Characteristic Features
The fruit is elongated, slightly oval or somewhat irregular in shape, with medium size. The stem should remain relatively firm and free from bruising, breakage or decay.
The skin ranges from greenish-yellow and yellow-green to yellow-brown when ripe. The surface is relatively rough and may have numerous small natural lenticels characteristic of pears.
The flesh is white to ivory, firm, crisp and juicy. The core and seeds are located in the center, with seeds generally becoming dark brown when fully developed.
Fruit at suitable maturity should have characteristic coloration and firm, crisp, juicy flesh without excessive softness or mealiness. It should be free from major cracks, deep bruising, decay or juice leakage.
Acceptable raw material should be fresh, firm and intact, without bruising, decay, mold or abnormal odors. The flesh should not show excessive browning, mushiness or water leakage.
Flavor & Texture
The flesh is firm, crisp and juicy with a slightly granular texture. It has a mildly sweet flavor with light acidity and a delicate, refreshing aroma. Good-quality fruit should not have excessive sourness, bitterness, abnormal astringency or fermented odors.
Uses and Applications
Used for fresh consumption after washing and peeling when required.
Can be used in ready-to-eat fruit portions, fruit salads and desserts.
Can be sliced or cut into pieces and combined with yogurt, cereals, nuts and other fruits.
Nutritionally, pear provides water, natural carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin C, copper and various plant compounds; nutritional value varies according to variety and maturity.
