One of the first trees to burst into bloom in Rich Kroll’s San Jose backyard is the 20th Century Asian ... the apple pear. Others might know the tree as a Nijisseiki. Submitting a picture ...

Unlike European pears, which ripen after harvest, Asian pears mature while still on the tree ... 20th Century and Yoinashi -- Olympic and 20th Century produce the biggest and best-tasting fruit ...