Centuries pass. Something of a well-kept secret, the Asian pear becomes a favorite of the world's great chefs, royalty and discerning gourmets. In time, the uncommon fruit travels to the New World and gathers new admirers — and new names. Some refer to it as a pear-apple or sand pear, perhaps because it does not carry the shape commonly associated with European pears. Nevertheless its allure remains, though its popularity resides, primarily, with the enlightened gourmet.