Nashi Tama – AB

Description

Nashi Tama

Nashi Tama is an exceptional variety of Asian pear tree, developed in 1963 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Agricultural Experiment Station. Resulting from a cross between Gion (Nijseiki x Chojuro) and Kosui, this strain combines the best qualities of its parents: the crunchy texture inherited from Kosui and the vigor of Gion. Its golden-yellow fruits contain white, crunchy and very juicy flesh, offering a mild and sweet flavor almost without acidity. This Asian pear, also known as apple-pear, is particularly appreciated for its thirst-quenching freshness.

Features of Nashi Tama

Nashi Tama has major strengths that make it a variety of choice for gardeners. Self-fertile, it produces abundantly without the need for a pollinator, although the proximity of other varieties such as Nashi Kosui or Nashi Shinseiki can further improve its production. The tree stands out for its remarkable vigour and high productivity, guaranteeing regular and generous harvests.

The fruits of Nashi Tama are medium to large in size, with a smooth uniform golden yellow epidermis that is attractive and attractive. The white flesh has a characteristic crunchy and grainy texture, while being exceptionally juicy. This early variety has a high sugar content, offering a mild, sweet and slightly aromatic flavour that delights the palate. The exceptional taste quality of the fruit makes it one of the best nashi varieties available.

Cultivation and maintenance

Nashi Tama adapts to different types of soil, as long as they are well-drained and not calcareous. For optimal production, choose a sunny location sheltered from the wind, as its branches can be fragile under the weight of the fruit. The tree usually reaches 3 to 4 meters in height at maturity, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens. Trellising in palmette or on a pergola is recommended to protect the branches and facilitate harvesting.

The maintenance of Nashi Tama remains relatively simple thanks to its good resistance to scab. Fruit thinning 4 to 5 weeks after flowering is necessary to obtain good size fruit, keeping 1 to 2 fruits per bunch. Regular watering during the summer promotes the growth of the fruit. Adding compost in the spring and potash-rich wood ash will stimulate flowering and fruiting.

Harvesting and storage

The harvest of Nashi Tama is carried out from the end of August to the beginning of September, when the fruits have reached their characteristic golden yellow color and are still firm. Unlike European pears, nashis no longer ripen after picking, so it is essential to harvest them at the right maturity. Picking may require several passes because not all fruits ripen simultaneously. Use pruning shears to cut the stem without damaging the fruit.

Fruit keeps remarkably well: about a month in the refrigerator in the crisper drawer, or 2 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in a cool, dry cellar with airy shelves. Nashis Tama are mainly eaten fresh, peeled, but fit perfectly into fruit salads, desserts or can be squeezed to obtain a refreshing juice.

Culinary Uses

Nashi Tama offers multiple culinary possibilities thanks to its crunchy texture and sweet flavor. When eaten cold, it is a healthy and thirst-quenching snack, especially appreciated in summer. Its crunchy flesh brings a touch of originality to fruit salads and dessert platters. In the kitchen, it can be sautéed in butter to accompany poultry or foie gras, integrated into salads composed with a spicy sauce, or used in the preparation of pies and crumbles.

This Asian pear goes particularly well with honey, ginger and sweet spices. Rich in water (nearly 85%), fiber and vitamin C, Nashi Tama is an excellent source of hydration while being low in calories. Its low acidity makes it very digestible, ideal for sensitive intestines.

Garden Associations

To create a harmonious and productive orchard, combine your Nashi Tama with other fruit trees. Williams pear trees are excellent complementary pollinators. To spread out the harvest period of nashis, also plant Nashi Niitaka which produces later. In spring, the pinkish-white bloom of Nashi Tama attracts pollinators, thus contributing to the biodiversity of the garden.

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