I think Asian pears are really undergrown in the NW. They are so easy to grow, and the different flavors can really fill out the fall. They seem to grow much faster than Euro pears on quince rootstock. I just had my first big harvest this year and I look forward to a new grafted variety producing fruit next year, Don Bae (Korean Giant). I have Shinseiki (sp?) and Chojuro. I like both, but I prefer Shinseiki. I think one thing they really got right in that article was the importance of timing in harvest. Not as crucial as Euro pears, but really important.
John S
PDX OR