Building Local Diversity

Shinko is an asian type pear that was introduced in Japan in 1941. It's a sweet, crunchy, super juicy pear. Probably the juiciest pear that we grow. Shinko translates to "New Success" and it is a cross of the Nijisseiki and Amanogawa varieties.

Asian pears, which are round like apples, are generally pretty easy to grow and do well here in southwest Iowa. They are a low maintenance tree that are great for a no-spray orchard. They can also be eaten straight off the tree, unlike many European pears that need to be ripened in storage. 

Shinko ripens mid to late September in southwest Iowa. 

Estimated bloom in Southwest Iowa:   April 12

Estimated ripening in Southwest Iowa:   September 15