Ningguo Snow Pears

Ningguo Snow Pears

　　Snow pears

　　Snow pears are cultivated using unique methods, known for their snow-white skin, attractive shape, thin rind, juicy flesh, and sweet, crisp taste. After the Qingming Festival, when the pears grow to the size of buttons, pear farmers wrap them in coarse paper bags soaked in persimmon lacquer and tie them to the branches with palm leaf fibers. Four or five months later, when the pears are ripe, the farmers pick the pears along with the paper bags from the trees. The pears remain covered by the bags during the ripening period, which protects them from pests. The dark brown bags are waterproof and opaque, helping the pears develop snow-white skin, tender and crispy flesh, abundant juice, and a sweet flavor. They are also easy to store and transport, remaining fresh all the way until the Spring Festival.