Where are pears grown? Distribution of China's main pear-producing regions

Pear-producing regions include Anhui, Hebei, Shandong, Liaoning, Shanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian, among others. Among them, Dangshan in Anhui is a crisp pear (suli) producing region and is the world's largest contiguous pear orchard; Yuanping in Shanxi mainly grows yellow pears and oil pears; Lanzhou in Gansu is famous for its winter fruit pears (dongguo li). So different producing regions grow different pear varieties. Below, we introduce several well-known pear varieties in China.

Pear varieties

1. Winter fruit pear (Dongguo li)

Among Lanzhou fruits, the most famous is the Lanzhou winter fruit pear. It has bright color, an attractive shape, thin skin and fine flesh, with a balanced sweet-and-sour taste. It can be stored for a long time and has long enjoyed a fine reputation, selling well in domestic and international markets. Winter fruit pears are harvested in September and can be stored until June of the following year without any change in color or flavor. They have medicinal effects of clearing the lungs, removing phlegm, relieving cough and dispelling cold. Eaten cooked, they are very effective for elderly people with asthma and bronchitis, and they enjoy great renown among fruits.

2. Crisp pear (Suli)

The crisp pear originated in Dangshan, Anhui province, and is the oldest local pear variety. This variety has large fruit, excellent quality and a good appearance, and is relatively high-yielding and stable in yield. Among late-maturing varieties, it is the excellent variety with the widest adaptability. It currently has multiple varieties sold on the market and is deeply loved by consumers at home and abroad.

3. Fragrant pear (Xiangshui li)

The fragrant pear, also known as xiangshui, old xiangshui, old pear, soft pear (ruan'er li) and xiao li, is mainly grown in Lanzhou and Jingyuan in Gansu, and along the river basins of Yangfang, Guanqiao and Machun in Ningxia. Its color changes but its flavor becomes even better; it is suitable for long storage and is not prone to rotting, and it is not afraid of severe cold or freezing.

4. Snowflake pear (Xuehua li)

The snowflake pear is one of Hebei province's famous local specialties. Its flesh is white and generally has a slight fibrous texture. It tastes crisp and sweet, with abundant juice, especially on the top of the tree. Snowflake pears from the top of the tree generally have a better appearance, often with a “straw hat” shape, and are mostly oval. It is also a traditional large-volume export fruit of Hebei province and has long enjoyed a fine reputation at home and abroad.

Pears are cool in nature and can promote salivation, moisten dryness and clear heat, making them very suitable for eating in summer. Whether eaten directly or brewed into pear tea, they are a great choice.