Natsuhime is a distinctive Japanese pear variety developed in Tottori Prefecture, a region renowned for its high-quality pears. As a promising variety for the next generation of Tottori pear production, Natsuhime is attracting attention for its exceptionally sweet flavor, gentle taste, and refreshing juiciness.
Natsuhime is a green-skinned pear variety created by crossing Chikusui, a red-skinned pear known for its high sugar content, with Osa Nijisseiki, a green-skinned variety. This breeding combines the appealing sweetness of its parent varieties with the crisp, juicy texture characteristic of green-skinned Japanese pears.
With a sugar content of approximately 12–13 degrees Brix, Natsuhime is notably sweet. Its low acidity allows the clean, almost translucent sweetness to shine through, while its refined texture and abundant juice make each bite refreshing and satisfying.
The main season for Natsuhime pears is mid-to-late August. They ripen earlier than the well-known Nijisseiki, or 20th Century pear, but their availability period is relatively short.
Because the harvest season passes quickly, timing is important for anyone hoping to taste this special variety at its best. Visitors to Tottori in August should look for Natsuhime at local farm shops, produce markets, and specialty fruit retailers.
For fruit lovers, Natsuhime offers a fresh perspective on Tottori’s celebrated pear-growing tradition. Its high sweetness, mild acidity, crisp bite, and delicate juiciness make it an appealing seasonal treat. If you are visiting the Kurayoshi and Misasa area in August, be sure to look for this limited-season pear and enjoy a taste of Tottori’s summer harvest.