Twentieth Century is probably the most popular variety of Asian Pear, both with consumers and producers. Even though the trees are very prone to getting fruit fireblight, and the fruit bruises easily, in compensation to farmers, the fruit will store commercially for up to 6 months, and once it hits the stores it does tend to fly off shelves.
Storage Hints
Store in fridge for up to 2 months.
History Notes
Originated by chance in Japan as a seedling in 1888. Someone decided to see what the young upstart tree could do, and the rest is pear history.
Literature & Lore
Nijisseki, the Japanese name, means Twentieth Century in English.