Many kinds of fruit trees are suitable for the home orchard. There are some wonderful heirloom pears that are just great for connoisseurs and those with gourmet gardens. The recommended varieties include the following.


The Beurre Hardy Pear

This heirloom variety dates to 1820, and was first grown in France. It was mentioned by U.P. Hedrick in his book called Pears of New York, published in 1921. This variety is also known as Hardy and French butter pear.

The very hardy tree is upright and strong growing. It regularly bears large crops. This pear ripens mid-season and is considered a fall pear. These are large to medium fruits with a pear shape though the neck is somewhat lengthy.

Considered a high quality pear, this has yellow-green skin with russeting. It provides a very rich sweet flavor and a very sweet aroma. Very juicy and buttery, the melting flesh has a hint of tartness.


Beurre Superfin Pear

Also called Superfin, this heirloom French variety dates to 1837 or so, and was first grown in Angers. It occurred as a seedling with little being known about the parents. This was recommended by U.P. Hedrick in his book called Pears of New York, which was published in 1921. This was also recommended by Edward Bunyard, of Bunyard and Company, a renowned English nursery. He recommended it as one of the top six pear varieties.

The spreading trees have a moderate to fast growth rate. They bear large reliable crops each year. These pears ripen in October. These are considered to be one of the best dessert pears. The large to medium fruit can be oval, round, or conical. The yellow to greenish-yellow smooth skin can have a blush along with light russeting and netting.

The yellow grainy flesh is aromatic. Very juicy and very fine textured, this is buttery and melting. It has an excellent rich spicy flavor.


The Brandy Pear

This variety has long been a favorite for perry or pear cider. Hardy to zone four, Brandy will tolerate -25 degrees Fahrenheit. The medium to large tree has a spreading growth habit. This often tends to bear large crops every other year.

These pears ripen in October. They can be stored for about a month before making the perry.

These can be used alone or mixed with other perry varieties. The relatively small fruits are somewhat larger than a Seckel. They’re cone-shaped with a yellow-green to yellow skin. This is blushed with red and has russeting.

Brandy pears make a good quality pear. If only Brandy pears are used the drink will be medium-acid and low tannin. It will be aromatic and dark colored.