Randy Poe may have a western drawl, but his fruits are all Asian. The Poe family started prize-winning Morning Star organic Asian pear farm in 1992 in rural Oregon. As in Japan, each growing pear is lovingly encased in special paper bags that promote a thinner skin and sweet meat. The Poes visited Tottori prefecture on the north coast of Japan, known for its pears, to learn from masters. They were recently in Honolulu for R&R after the fall harvest and our tasters thought these pears were the best they'd ever eaten. Pears can be mail-ordered, in season, in medium, large and extra large sizes. Holiday gift packages of one dozen pears are $29.95, $37.95 and $44.95, plus shipping; www.asianorganicpears.com, 541-673-1490.

— Lesa Griffith

PLANNING TURKEY DAY

GO THE EASY WAY AND TAKE OUT HOLIDAY MEAL

Time to make Thanksgiving plans. Many hotels, restaurants and caterers offer meals-to-go, hot meal pickup or special menus: