Synonyms:   pomes = false fruit

Pronunciation:  Rhymes with home.

The family of pome fruits include apples, pears, quinces, Asian pears, and loquats.

Varieties:

 

apples

apple pear  See Asian pear. 

 

Asian pear = apple pear = Japanese pear = Chinese pear = Oriental pear = sand pear = nashi = nashi pear = salad pear   Notes:   Asian pears are crunchy, juicy, and very fragrant.  Growers produce over twenty different varieties in an assortment of sizes and colors.   They're often served raw, but they can also be cooked, though they never become as soft as cooked pears.   Substitutes:   Bosc pear (not as crisp and firm, nor as flowery in flavor) OR apple (different flavor, similar texture) OR quince (for stews or baked dishes)

Chinese pear  See Asian pear. 

crab apple = crabapple  Notes:  These small apples are too tart to eat raw, but they're loaded with pectin and make great jams and jellies.   Substitutes:  quince

golden apple  See quince.

Japanese pear  See Asian pear. 

 

loquat = Japanese plum = Japanese medlar  Pronunciation:  LOW-kwat  Notes:  These are popular in Asia, where they're eaten raw and cooked into sauces that accompany meat.   They bruise very easily, which may explain their rarity in American markets.   Substitutes:  sour cherry (especially for preserves and baked desserts) OR quince OR mango OR plum OR tart apple OR pear (not as tart)

nashi  See Asian pear. 

Oriental pear  See Asian pear. 

 

pear

quince = golden apple  Notes:  This pleasantly tart fruit needs to be cooked before eating.  Quinces are high in pectin, so they're commonly used to make jams and jellies.  Some cooks simply bake them like apples.  They come into season from August to December.  Substitutes:  Asian pears (Like quince, these hold their shape when cooked for long periods.) OR crab apples OR Granny Smith apples OR pippin apples OR Rhode Island Greening apples

salad pear  See Asian pear.

sand pear  See Asian pear. 

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Copyright © 1996-2005  Lori Alden