Seckel pears are very small in size, averaging 2-5 centimeters in diameter and 5-8 centimeters in length, and are tear-drop shaped with a wide, round body that tapers to short neck and woody, brown-green stem.
How big does a Seckel pear tree get?
Like all pear trees, Seckel requires a full sun location to produce an abundant crop. When picking a planting location, remember that mature standard-size trees grow to 20 feet (6 m.) tall and 13 feet (4 m.) wide. Dwarf varieties top out at half that height and width.
What do Seckel pears taste like?
When ripe, Seckel pears are crisp, juicy, and possess the sweetest flavor profile of all the pear varieties. Seckel pears are available in the fall through winter.
Are Seckel sugar pears native to North America?
If you are thinking of adding a pear tree to the home orchard, take a look at Seckel sugar pears. They are the only native American pear grown commercially. What is a Seckel pear tree?
How to identify a Seckel?
Seckel 1 Identifying Seckel. Seckels (pronounced SEK-el) are tiny pears, with a chubby, round body, small neck, and short stem. ... 2 Seasonality. Sweet Seckel pears are in season from September through February, and harvest begins in the fall. 3 Ripening 4 Culinary Uses. ... 5 The History of Seckel. ...
How do you know when Seckel pears are ripe?
Harvest when the pears' background color changes and the fruit snaps easily off the branch. Seckel pears are the exception because they can ripen on the tree, though don't wait until they get too soft. Asian pears ripen like Seckel pears. Pick apples when they reach full size and color, and twist easily off the branch.
What are Seckel pears good for?
Seckel pears provide vitamin C, dietary fiber, and some potassium and calcium.
What does Seckel pear taste like?
It is very sweet with a juicy flesh and vanilla-like flavor. It's a great pear for all purposes, but its dessert-like flavor makes it a favorite of mine to eat all on its own. Other pear varieties: Seckel: We call Seckel the sugar pear because it is incredibly sweet!
Are Seckel pears sweet?
The Seckel pear (or sugar pear) is a small, very sweet cultivar of pear believed to have originated in Pennsylvania.
How do you eat a Seckel pear?
Gently grasp the neck below the stem, making a circle with your thumb and forefinger. Exert gentle pressure to see if the fruit will yield slightly. Seckel pears eat best on the firm side. Refrain from pinching the fruit; unlike your sweetie's cheek, the Seckel will bruise even when gently pinched.
What is the smallest pear?
Seckel Sugar PearsSeckel Sugar Pears are also known as Candy Pears or just plain Sugar Pears. This wonderfully unique cultivar has received its affectionate nicknames due to the fact that its the smallest pear widely grown today.
What is the sweetest pear?
Comice Comice pearsComice. Comice pears were originally cultivated in France. They're known as the sweetest pear variety, and are often the variety shipped in gift boxes. Because of this, they're sometimes given the nickname “the Christmas pear.” Comice pears have light green skin with a blush of pinkish red.
What is the best tasting pear?
Bartlett (or Williams) Pear: This is the perfect choice when you want a really, really juicy pear. Both red and green Bartletts are also among the sweetest pears you'll find. Bosc Pear: These pears are wonderfully crisp, with a delicate sweet flavor that resembles the stereotypical pear taste perfectly.
Which pear is the healthiest?
The crispy Asian pear has an edge when it comes to fiber. See how the types compare in the table below. But these aren't the only nutrients found in pears. The biggest benefit of pears may be their phytonutrient content.
Are Seckel pears small?
Seckels (pronounced SEK-el) are tiny pears, with a chubby, round body, small neck, and short stem. Their skin is usually olive green, but frequently exhibits a dark maroon blush that sometimes covers the entire surface of the pear.
How many calories are in a Seckel pear?
100 caloriesFruit Pears Seckel (1 medium) contains 26g total carbs, 20g net carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, and 100 calories.
What can I do with tiny pears?
Pears can be poached, sautéed, and baked in crisps, cobblers, pies, tarts, or wrapped in pastry. They can also cooked and pureed and used in both sweet and savory dishes, to sweeten up a parsnip or potato puree for instance, or in a soup.
What can I do with tiny pears?
Pears can be poached, sautéed, and baked in crisps, cobblers, pies, tarts, or wrapped in pastry. They can also cooked and pureed and used in both sweet and savory dishes, to sweeten up a parsnip or potato puree for instance, or in a soup.
Are Seckel pears good for canning?
Recipe for Canning Pears in Cinnamon Vanilla Syrup. This recipe works for any type of pear you want to can. If using small Seckel pears like we did, there is less work since you leave them whole to can them. If using large pears you will need to peel, core and cut them in half.
How many calories are in a Seckel pear?
100 caloriesFruit Pears Seckel (1 medium) contains 26g total carbs, 20g net carbs, 0g fat, 1g protein, and 100 calories.
What are very small pears called?
Seckels (pronounced SEK-el) are tiny pears, with a chubby, round body, small neck, and short stem. Their skin is usually olive green, but frequently exhibits a dark maroon blush that sometimes covers the entire surface of the pear.
Identifying Seckel
Seckels (pronounced SEK-el) are tiny pears, with a chubby, round body, small neck, and short stem. Their skin is usually olive green, but frequently exhibits a dark maroon blush that sometimes covers the entire surface of the pear.
Seasonality
Sweet Seckel pears are in season from September through February, and harvest begins in the fall.
Culinary Uses
Because of their petite size, Seckels can easily be overshadowed by the larger varieties. However, it's their size which makes them a perfect choice for certain uses: • Snack-sized Seckels added to lunch boxes or bags are appreciated, particularly by children who love their sweet flavor. • Seckels are small enough to be canned whole.
The History of Seckel
Seckels are believed by many to be the only truly American variety of pear grown commercially. Unlike other varieties planted in the U.S. from European cultivars, Seckels are thought to have originated as a wild seedling near Philadelphia. They were discovered in the early 1800's. This may or may not be true, however.
Current Facts
Seckel pears, believed to be botanically classified as a hybrid cross of an Asian pear, Pyrus pyrifolia, and a European pear, Pyrus communis, are one of the smallest varieties and are members of the Rosaceae family along with apples and apricots.
Nutritional Value
Seckel pears provide vitamin C, dietary fiber, and some potassium and calcium.
Applications
Seckel pears are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as baking, simmering, and poaching. Known as a dessert pear, Seckel pears lend a very sweet flavor to any application and are commonly consumed fresh, out-of-hand. Seckel pears are excellent for pickling and spicing as the small pears can be canned whole or halved.
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Description
Small dessert pears that are super-sweet with a hint of spice. Often used in cooking and canning, but also enjoyed fresh. Tree is disease-resistant to fireblight. Originates around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Harvest in September. Best pollinators: Starking® Delicious™ or Moonglow. See more Recommended Pollinators below.
Zone Compatibility
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.
Pollination
Cross-pollination by a different variety is key to its growing and bearing success. Plant one of these varieties within 50' for best pollination.
Tools & Supplies
Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow pear trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
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Self-Fertile Pear Trees
The Comice pear tree is a smaller-sized pear tree native to France. It grows up to a height of 12 – 18 feet, and it can live up to 75 years, which is one of the most extended lifespans among pear trees. This pear tree type is self-fertile, but it can produce much better with a pollinator.
Semi-dwarf Pear Trees
The Sunrise pear tree is a carefully made hybrid plant with impressive fire blight resistance. They are considered relatively small, with their height that reaches about 7–10 feet, and their spread at around 5–7 feet. This pear tree type requires 600 chill hours for maximum harvest results, usually in August.
Medium-Sized Pear Trees
The Starkrimson pear tree was discovered in Missouri, and it has been providing people with juicy, sweet fruits ever since. The trees are 13–16 feet tall, resistant to cold weather. They have a distinctive look, with a bright red color when ripe. Starkrimson pear tree blooms in late spring, while the harvest happens around August.
Ornamental Pear Trees
The Bradford pear tree is an ornamental species that can grow to incredible heights, anywhere from 30–50 feet. It has a distinctive, pyramidal form that spreads with age. In spring, you can witness a glorious bloom with thousands of white flowers. Although it has a beautiful look, this pear tree type is fragile in its structure.
Conclusion: Pear Tree Types
There are plenty of different pear tree types, each serving another purpose. We are sure that you’ll be able to find a perfect choice that fits your requirements and wishes. Determine if you want a smaller size pear tree, a medium-sized one, or if you just want one that will be the ornamental centerpiece of your backyard.
Many types of pears are in season from August through October. Here are the fresh pears to look for at the farmers market or grocery store!
Many types of pears are in season from August through October. Here are the fresh pears to look for at the farmers market or grocery store!
Bartlett
Bartlett pears (also called Williams) have what most people would consider the true “pear flavor.” Both red and green Bartletts are bell-shaped. You can find them in stores from September through the early months of winter. Since pears are harvested unripe, allow them to ripen at room temperature.
Comice
This is one of the most-loved types of pears, thanks to the succulent texture and sweetness. Comice pears are sometimes called “Christmas pears” as they’re a staple of fruit gift baskets. The pears are short and round with bright green skin blushed with red, and need careful handling because of their fragile skin.
Bosc
If you see pears at the store with mottled, brown skin and a tear-drop shape, you’ve found Bosc pears. To check pears for ripeness, especially firm varieties, remember to “check the neck.” Pears ripen from the inside out, and since the necks are the narrowest part of a pear, this is the most reliable place to determine ripeness.
Anjou
Egg-shaped Anjou pears come in green and red varieties, and they’re especially attractive when both colors are arranged together in fruit bowls or sliced onto salads. Anjou pears have a sweet, slightly citrus flavor and are available nearly year-round.
Seckel
Seckel pears are so tiny that they can be preserved whole! The skin of Seckel pears ranges from pale green to deep red, and they’re available in stores from September through February.
Asian Pear
Though the term is broadly applied to several varieties, Asian pears are typically round with green or brown skin and a russeted surface. They’re sweet and very crisp, and unlike most pears, are ripe when they are firm to the touch.