Pyrus communis Clapp’s Favorite - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis Clapp's Favorite or Fruhe Clapps is an old American variety, hardy, vigorous, resistant to scab, producing fruits of excellent taste quality, much appreciated by pear enthusiasts. The fruit is large, pear-shaped, more or less elongated. Its skin is smooth, thin, yellow-green, widely washed with red-purple on the sunny side. Its white-yellow flesh is fine, melting, juicy, sweet, tangy, and fragrant. Harvesting takes place from late August and extends over 4 to 6 weeks. Not suitable for long-term storage, the fruits are consumed as they ripen. Pleasantly tangy and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to enjoy fresh. When cooked, it is a variety that lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. Can be grown at high altitudes. It is a partially self-fertile variety that requires the presence of other pear varieties nearby to improve pollination and increase the number of fruits.

Pyrus communis (Common Pear) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it originated from forests in Western Asia. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widely spread in Europe. Derived from a seedling of the Fondante des Bois variety, Clapp's Favorite, also known as Fruhe Clapps, was obtained by Mr. Thaddeus Clapp in 1860 in Boston (Dorchester Quarter) in the state of Massachusetts (United States).

The Clapp's Favorite Pear tree is a semi-erect tree with a framework that can reach 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) in height, producing many strong and slightly arched branches. Its pyramidal habit is well-suited for tall forms (on a trunk) or low forms (bush shape) or espaliers (fan shape). Its deciduous foliage consists of large, alternate, ovate leaves, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long, shiny green with yellow-orange autumn hues. Flowering occurs quite late in April to early May, which generally protects it from frost. The white flowers, single, 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter, grouped in umbels, are nectariferous. They can be destroyed by frost starting at -2 to -3°C. It is a hardy tree that withstands temperatures around -25°C, and it is suitable for cultivation in most regions, including at high altitudes. This Pear tree is self-sterile or self-incompatible, as the flowers cannot fertilise themselves. As such the presence of other pear varieties in close proximity, which flower at the same time, is necessary. For example, the varieties Charneux, Conference, Doyenne du Comice, Beurre Hardy, Louise Bonne d'Avranches, Triomphe de Vienne, Williams, William's Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination and thus increase the number of fruits.

The Clapp's Favorite Pear tree is a high-yielding variety with quick fruiting. Abundant and regular fruiting begins from late August and extends until the end of September. The fruits are consumed as they ripen. The pear can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, and desserts, in fruit salads or mixed salads, in combination with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, alongside duck, white meats (poultry and lamb), or game. It is also perfect for making juices or fruits in syrup. Rich in water, the pear is refreshing and thirst-quenching. Very fleshy, it provides a great feeling of satiety. Moderately caloric, it is rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Its content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fibres make the pear a health asset. It is invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. The fruits have a short shelf life, so it is best to consume them as they ripen. Storage can be done in a cool, dry place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, airtight from the outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C.

In the Pear Trees category, the Pyrus communis Clapp's Favorite is a hardy and vigorous variety, very resistant to scab. This fruit tree likes fresh and deep soils, but it dislikes excessively draining and calcareous soils. In order to obtain fruits of good quality, thinning should be practiced by reducing the number of fruits on the tree. Pruning for better aeration, by removing some branches in the centre of the tree, will provide light and give the fruits a beautiful colouration. This will also limit the occurrence of diseases. Very popular thanks to its fruit, the pear tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits your taste.