Nashi Chojuro – AB

Description

Nashi Chojuro

Nashi Chojuro (長十郎) is a legendary historical variety, discovered in 1895 near the Kawasaki Daishi temple in Japan by Mr. Chojuro Toma. This “pear of the Meiji era” represents a true Japanese fruit heritage, having dominated 80% of Japanese orchards during the golden age of the Taishō period (1912-1926).

Nicknamed today “the ghost pear” (幻の梨) because of its rarity, this ancestral variety is back in the spotlight thanks to its unique butterscotch taste that distinguishes it from all other Asian pears. Its introduction in the United States in 1939 and then in Australia in 1980 testifies to its international recognition.

The unique taste of butterscotch

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texture

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The most remarkable feature of Chojuro is its unique taste profile that is irresistibly reminiscent of butterscotch (Werther’s butterscotch). This distinctive flavour, combined with a firm and crunchy flesh, makes it a premium variety sought after by connoisseurs all over the world.

Agronomic qualities of Nashi Chojuro

Chojuro is distinguished by remarkable cultivation qualities that explain its historical success in Japan. This extremely productive variety was reputed to be the easiest to grow of its time.

🌱 Growing Characteristics

• Vigour: Moderate, spread and balanced habit
• Productivity: Very high, ultra-productive (超豊産性)
• Resistance: Excellent resistance to fire blight
• Pollination: Abundant pollen producer, excellent pollinator

🍂 Development and hardiness

The tree grows to a moderate size with a naturally spreading habit, spreading harmoniously in all four directions. Its dark green deciduous foliage becomes flamboyant in autumn, adding a certain ornamental value to the orchard.

🛡️ Disease resistance

Chojuro has excellent resistance to fire blight, a dreaded disease of Rosaceae. This natural hardiness, coupled with its high pollen production, makes it an ideal rootstock and pollinator for other nashis varieties.

Pollination and fruiting

Although Chojuro is self-sterile and requires cross-pollination, it excels as a universal pollinator thanks to its abundant production of quality pollen. Pair it with Nashi Hosui or Williams Pear for optimal pollination.

Its fragrant bloom in April naturally attracts pollinators, ensuring generous fruiting year after year. This variety was so productive that it supplied most of the Japanese market for several decades.

Exceptional conservation

Chojuro holds the shelf life record among Asian pears with a shelf life of up to 5 months in the refrigerator. This exceptional quality makes it possible to extend the tasting well beyond the harvest period.

📅 Harvest and storage schedule

The harvest takes place from mid-September to October when the skin takes on its characteristic golden hue with its scorched appearance (russet). The fruits can remain suspended from the tree for several weeks, allowing for a staggered harvest as needed.

Historical and cultural heritage

Chojuro embodies 130 years of Japanese fruit history. Discovered during the Meiji era near the famous Kawasaki Daishi temple, it symbolizes Japan’s transition to modernity while preserving its ancestral agricultural traditions.

📚 The Golden Age of the Taishō Period

During the Taishō period (1912-1926), Chojuro dominated 80% of Japanese orchards, supplying the entire country. Its ease of cultivation and exceptional productivity made it the absolute reference variety, passed down from generation to generation.

🌏 International influence

Its introduction in the United States in 1939 and then in Australia in 1980 testifies to its worldwide recognition. Today, it remains the reference variety in many countries, particularly appreciated for its unique butterscotch taste.

Culinary use and tasting of Nashi Chojuro

Chojuro’s unique aromatic profile makes it an exceptional strain for haute cuisine:

• 🍯 Fresh tasting: Unmistakable butterscotch flavour
• 🥧 Fine pastry: Retains its firmness when baked
• 🍷 Food and wine pairings: Enhances refined desserts
• 🧀 Cheese platters: Perfect contrast with mature cheeses
• 🥗 Gourmet cuisine: Brings originality to savory dishes

The rebirth of a legend

• 🏆 Heritage Variety – 130 Years of Japanese History
• 🎯 Unique taste in the world – unmistakable butterscotch flavour
• 📈 Ultra-productive – all-time record for efficiency
• 🛡️ Fire blight resistant – safe growing
• 🐝 Universal pollinator – improves the entire orchard
• 📦 Record storage – 5 months of storage
• 🌟 Collector’s variety – rarity and authenticity
• 🍽️ Exceptional gastronomy – for discerning palates

Nashi Chojuro is much more than just a fruit variety: it is a living heritage of Japanese horticulture. Its current revival testifies to the quest for authenticity of lovers of exceptional fruits. Growing a Chojuro means perpetuating 130 years of history while enjoying a taste experience that is unique in the world.

This “ghost pear” deserves its place in any enlightened amateur orchard, offering at the same time heritage value, exceptional agronomic qualities and incomparable gustatory pleasure.

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