Hosui is a relatively new variety and has become popular in Japan and California (as of 2004.) Commercially, though, it needs to be sold relatively fast, as it won’t store as long as some other varieties of Asian pears, perhaps no more than two to three months.
Hosui, a hybrid between Kikusui and Yakumo, was released in Japan in 1972. It needs other pear trees to pollinate it, such as 20th Century, Chojuro, Shinko, Shinseiki or Olympic. It can also be pollinated by the European Bartlett Pear tree.
The challenge farmers face is that Hosui is very prone to getting fruit fire blight.
Storage Hints
Store in fridge for 4 to 6 weeks. (Some say they get up to 2 months out of theirs.)
Language Notes
Hosui, the Japanese name, means “Much Water” in English.