Kosui Asian Pear, also known as Kikusui is regarded by many as one of the highest quality nashi - superb fresh eating. It is crisp, sweet, low-acid, very juicy, and watery. As a matter of fact, Kosui mean "Good Water" in Japan where it originated. Kosui is a medium-large round Asian pear that ripens in late August, just after Hosui and Shinseiki. The fruit is covered with a light green to yellow-bronze russet. Flesh has sweet, light flavor of vanilla and does not brown when sliced.
Aiman does not seem to think that the fruit is juicy enough but his dad thinks that Kosui has a perfect balance of sweetness although very watery. When you take a bit from a ripe Kosui, the water can be seen dripping off the fruit. It is one of Aiman dad's favorites asian pear.
Our research indicates that this variety is easy to grow and one of the best, but it wasn't the case for us. Some of the branches seemed to be drying and dying randomly. The branches are willowy, brittle and easily snapped. It grows upright and tall but skinny. Maybe it's just our soil, USDA Zone or we're just not lucky.
Brief history: From a Kikusui x Wase-Kozo cross, introduced in Japan in 1959. Resistant to Alternaria black-spot and moderately resistant to pear scab. Moderately productive.
Estimated Chilling Requirement: 450-500 hours below 45°F
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9
Pollination: Partly Self-fruitful (better with other asian pears such as Ishiiwase or 20th Century)
Maturity Date: August 23
Harvest Dates: August 5 to August 23
This is the 3rd of the 9 varieties we planted in our backyard mini orchard. The trees are about 6-8 years old today. We've done a similar video reviewing this variety 4 years ago, and you can watch it here: [ Ссылка ]. Alternatively you can watch all of our 10 NEW videos covering the 9 varieties we have by clicking on the following playlist: [ Ссылка ]
Asian pears are often called apple pears because they are crisp like an apple, but have a pear-like flavor and aroma. Asian pears have been grown commercially in Asia for centuries. In Japan about 500,000 tonnes are grown and some fruit is exported to the United States in October and November. China and Korea also grow these pears for domestic consumption and export to the United States and Canada.
While slightly exotic, they are relatively easy to grow. Most trees cultivated for home gardens are dwarf varieties that reach only 8' to 15' tall. Popular types include Shinseiki, Atago, Kosui, Hosui, Niitaka, Yoinashi, Shinsui, Korean Giant and Shinko.
Asian pear cultivars are partially self-fruitful but better crops are set where two or more cultivars are planted together. Because there is no required spacing and they grow upright & shallow, you can plant many of these trees in a small space in your front or back yard. They're vigorous and heavy bearing. A few fruit trees will give you ample supply for your enjoyment throughout the summer and fall months.
Because of Asian pears' increasing popularity, more varieties than ever are available to home gardeners. And that's good news, because Asian pears sold commercially are often picked before they are ripe. Unlike European pears, Asian pears must be tree-ripened for peak flavor and sweetness. Once picked, the fruits will not ripen further. By growing your own, you can decide when the fruit has reached peak flavor.
If you are interested in planting these trees, there are many nurseries which you can ordered them online from. Some of them are Adams County Nursery, Dave Wilson, Grandpa's Orchard, Willis Orchards Company, One Green World, Penryn Orchard Specialties,Stark Bros Nurseries, Raintree, Nature Hills, Ty Ty, Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Monrovia, Swanson, Fast Growing Trees and many more, even on Amazon.com, eBay, patio bloom, bonanza & etsy.
We bought these trees bare-root, and if you would like to know how to plant them, please watch the following video: [ Ссылка ]
You can also find them potted during spring planting season at local nurseries such as Home Depot, Lowes and Walmart.
This video is brought to you by Aiman Aimran Zulhilmi Anuar. Please watch more of Aiman's backyard gardening, tips & techniques how to plant and grow what, organic vegetables, tropical plants, medicinal or edible herbs, types of gardening such botanic aquatic gardens, horticulture & permaculture farming, fruit trees mini-orchard, flowers & nursery, soil & compost, DIY woodworking ideas, how to build raised garden bed & trellis, gardening tools & machinery, tutorial videos & guide, green house, how to protect the garden from pets & animals, drip irrigation and more... on his EYEONAIMAN's Youtube Channel & Facebook Page.
Recording Date: August 15, 2017
Original Video URL: [ Ссылка ]
