A fairly new introduction from Korea, this variety probably has the most staying power of all Asian Pears once harvested with a refrigerated shelf life of about 6 months. Olympic has a distinct caramel/butterscotch flavor. This variety shows excellent resistance to Fire Blight especially when grown in the regions of the Atlantic States. Producing one of the largest fruits of any Asian Pear, if thinned properly in spring, Korean Giant has the potential to produce fruit weighing more than 2 lbs. each
The Fruit
Fruit Firm
Fruit Quality Very good to Excellent
Fruit’s skin color when ripe Orange-brown russet
Fruit Flavor Sweet and juicy. 17% sugars, on average having distinct caramel / butterscotch flavor.
Fruit texture Crisp like and apple with some grit towards the core
Flesh color Cream
Fruit size Variable. Very large. About the size of a grapefruit; 16 oz.
Production Very productive. Trees usually need to be thinned.
Additional information
Botanical name Pyrus pyrifolia ‘A-Ri-Rang’
Aroma frooty
Common names Apple Pear, A-Ri-Rang, Korean Pear, Olympic, Korean Giant
Family Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Grafted Yes (Inquire for specific rootstock availability)
Ripening season Early to Mid. Late September – early October
Mature Height 16-18 feet; dependent upon pruning techniques
Mature Width 12 feet
Pollination requirements Plant 2 or more different varieties no more than 30 feet apart. If growing in rows, plant 12 feet apart in rows 17-18 feet apart. Pollenated by: Hosui, Shinseiki and Bartlett (European Pear)
Fall Color Brilliant orange red
Chill Hour Minimum 400-500. Zones 5a-8b
Yield 50lbs. or more in in 5-7 years
Growth rate Moderate
