Pyrus communis Grand champion - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis 'Grand Champion' is an American variety that produces medium to large-sized pears. Their thick and slightly rough skin is bronze yellow, dotted with tan spots. It takes on pinkish hues when exposed to sunlight. Its non-granular white flesh is very fine, melting, juicy, very sweet, slightly acidic, and subtly fragrant. Harvesting takes place from mid-September to mid-October, with fruits reaching ripeness in November. Storage can be extended until the end of January. Subtly acidic and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to enjoy fresh. When cooked, it lends itself well to many sweet or savoury dishes. 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. It has good disease resistance.

Pyrus communis belongs to the Rosaceae family. It originates from the forests of Western Asia. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe.

'Grand Champion' was discovered around 1936 in the United States. It is a mutation of the 'Gorham' variety. When mature, it can reach approximately 5m (16ft) in height and 4m (13ft) in spread. Its habit is ideal for tall forms (standard), low forms (bush), or espalier forms (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage is composed of alternate large leaves, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long. They are a glossy green that turns yellow-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs around mid-April, which generally protects it from frost. The single white flowers, 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter, are grouped in umbels. They are nectar-bearing. The flowers can be destroyed by frosts of -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -25°C (-13°F), making it suitable for cultivation in most regions, including high altitudes. This pear tree is self-sterile, meaning the flowers cannot self-pollinate. It therefore requires the presence of other pear varieties that flower at the same time. For example, the varieties 'Beurré Hardy', 'Conference', 'Doyenné du Comice', 'Jules Guyot', 'William's Bon Chrétien', and 'William's Rouge' are suitable for cross-pollination, thereby increasing the number of fruits.

'Grand Champion' is a high-yielding variety with rapid fruiting and abundant and regular fruit production. Harvesting begins from mid-September, with the pears ready to eat between November and January. Pears can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, desserts, fruit salads, and mixed salads. They work well with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, alongside duck, white meat (poultry and lamb), or game. It is also perfect for making juice or syrup-soaked fruits. Pears have a moderate calorie content. They are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron content. They contain vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fibre. The fruits can be stored for 2 to 4 months after harvesting. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F), or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F). 

Pear trees are some of the most popular fruit trees for our gardens. There is such a wide range of pear trees that it is easy to find the right variety.