Clapp's Favorite

Clapp's Favorite is an early-season summer pear raised in Massachusetts in the mid-1800s, valued for ripening about two weeks before Bartlett. The large fruits are bell-shaped like Bartlett, with smooth pale yellow skin blushed red and sometimes lightly russeted. The white flesh is fine, juicy, sweet, and aromatic, excellent for fresh eating. Because it ripens early and the flesh softens quickly, the fruit must be picked promptly and can break down at the core if left too long, so timely harvest is important. Clapp's Favorite is self-unfruitful and needs a pollinizer such as Bartlett or Bosc. It is quite susceptible to fire blight. The tree is hardy and productive, and the variety remains a popular early home-garden pear.