Clapp’s Favourite

Description

Clapp’s Favourite is a renowned pear variety celebrated for its sweet flavor and juicy texture. The fruit has a greenish-yellow skin that may develop a blush as it ripens. Inside, the creamy white flesh offers a buttery consistency, making it an excellent choice for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.

Ripening

• Typically ripens in late summer to early autumn. Harvest when still firm, allowing ripening off the tree at room temperature Timing is crucial to avoid over-ripeness and mealiness

General Information

Climate

• Requires a chilling period during winter. Prefers full sun exposure. Grows best in well-drained soils

Uses

• Fresh Consumption: Eaten raw as a snack or in salads.
• Cooking: Used in desserts, pastries, and poached dishes.
• Preserving: Ideal for canning or making jams and jellies.

Care Tips

Water

• Regular watering, especially during dry spells
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Deep watering encourages healthy root development

Fertilizing

• Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid over-fertilization

Pruning

• Essential for maintaining tree shape and promoting fruit production
• Best done in late winter or early spring
• Focus on removing dead or crossing branches and thinning dense areas

Pest Management

• Monitor for pests like aphids, pear psylla, and codling moths
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations
• Encourage beneficial insects to reduce pest populations naturally

Harvesting

• Harvest when pears are firm but slightly soft at the neck
• Gently twist or cut the fruit from the tree to avoid damage
• Store harvested pears in a cool, dark place for further ripening