Suij Winter Pear

European pear (Pyrus communis), winter keeper variety. Cross of Doyenne du Comice and St. Remy winter pear. Combines delicious sweet flavor of Comice with long keeping ability of St. Remy. Originated in Holland, developed by Ed Suij's father who was farmer and longtime fruit grower and enthusiast. Given to nurseries by Ed Suij of Orcas Island Washington. Bullock family also involved in distribution. Pronounced "Sigh". Type of pear popular for hundreds of years in Europe as staple food through winter, gone out of fashion in last 60 years. One of best of this winter keeper type. Blooms late, ripens late. Not self-fertile, requires pollinator.

Pick while rock hard in October or November. Incredible long keeping pear, store in root cellar and eat fresh through March. Requires 45-60 days in cold storage before ripens over week at room temperature, cold conditioning improves texture of flesh. Will soften after cold storage conditioning. Should be slightly soft at stem when ripe. Makes delicious and beautiful pink pear sauce.

Developed in Holland. Introduced to United States through Ed Suij of Orcas Island. True winter pear, allows fresh fruit eating through winter months.