Pear (Asian), Olympic

Pear, Olympic Asian (Korean Giant)
Pyrus pyrifolia 'Olympic'

Olympic Asian Pear, also known as Korean Giant, is a late-season, large-fruited pear variety celebrated for its exceptionally crisp texture, juicy flesh, and long storage life. The round, russeted pears are golden-brown with a slight orange hue when ripe, offering a sweet, honeyed flavor with a hint of spice. Olympic is known for its incredibly crunchy texture, which remains intact even after weeks of storage. Ripening in the fall, this variety is perfect for fresh eating, adding to salads, or slicing as a healthy snack. The tree is partially self-pollinating but benefits greatly from a pollination partner such as Shinseiki or 20th Century for increased yields.

Key Characteristics

• Large, Sweet, and Crunchy Fruit
  Olympic Asian Pears are known for their large size€€�often weighing up to a pound each€€�and their beautiful russeted, golden-brown skin. The flesh is sweet, juicy, and crunchy, with a flavor reminiscent of honey and a touch of spice, making it ideal for eating fresh or pairing with cheese and other seasonal fruits.

• Late-Season Harvest with Long Storage Life
  Olympic ripens in September to October, offering a bountiful supply of fresh fruit in the fall. When stored properly in cool conditions, these pears can last for several months, allowing you to enjoy their delicious taste throughout the winter.

• Partially Self-Pollinating but Benefits from Partners
  While Olympic can produce fruit without a pollinator, it benefits significantly from cross-pollination with other Asian pear varieties like Shinseiki, Hosui, or 20th Century. A compatible pollination partner results in a larger and more reliable harvest.

• Resistant to Fire Blight and Adaptable to Various Climates
  Olympic is known for its resistance to fire blight, a common pear disease, making it a reliable option for orchards in both humid and temperate regions. It thrives in well-drained soils and adapts well to diverse growing conditions, including both warmer and cooler climates.

• Beautiful White Spring Blossoms
  In early spring, Olympic Asian Pear trees are covered in clusters of white blossoms that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators. These flowers add ornamental appeal to the landscape, making the tree both beautiful and productive.

Product Details

• Native range: Korea
• Plant life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Well-drained, medium
• Mature height: 12-18 feet
• Bloom time: March to April
• Bloom color: White
• USDA Hardiness zones: 5-9
• Pollination partners: Choose a different Asian pear and confirm bloom overlap locally; weather and region affect flowering dates. A second tree of this same named variety does not provide cross-pollination. Suggested partners: Pear (Asian), Hosui Asian, Pear (Asian), Shinseiki.

Olympic Asian Pear is a must-have for those who appreciate sweet, crunchy pears with a long shelf life. Its large size, exceptional flavor, and beautiful spring blooms make it a standout in any home orchard or edible landscape.