Asian Pears

Harvest: Late August to October Those familiar with Asian Pears usually have a napkin ready when they bite into this very juicy, sweet fruit. Unlike its softer, mellower European counterpart, an Asian pear is crisp, with a hint of tartness near its core. Although considered an exotic delicacy, this early-blooming native of China, Korea and Japan thrives in the extremes of Nebraska's climate, and grows well in most parts of the United States, with a life expectancy often exceeding 50 years. Although a loamy soil is preferred, these trees can tolerate heavy, wet soils. Unlike many other pear varieties, Asian pears ripen on the tree. They are pruned in a similar fashion to an apple tree, and are an excellent specimen for a trellis or espalier pruning method. Heavy fruit thinning is essential to encourage large fruit and prevent limb breakage.

Partners



The Kimmels championed the benefits of higher education, and in 1925 began work with the University to develop a research facility for alternative crops.

History



Richard P. Kimmel grew up in Nebraska City where he attended school and graduated in 1915. After high school, he attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon.

U-Pick



The study and development of agricultural-related tourism is an important focus of the Kimmel Education and Research Center (KERC) at Kimmel Orchard.

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