An 'orchard grade' is a tree that may be somewhat shorter, slightly crooked, or a bit scratched, or for some other reason is not a perfect front lawn specimen. These trees will work just as well in an orchard as a first or number one would, since they still produce the very same fruit.

Unless you are of Danish descent you've likely never heard of this delectable dessert pear whose origins are shrouded in the mists of antiquity. Here in North America Clara Frijs has enjoyed some recognition in recent years in places like Minnesota, but in Denmark it dates back to at least the mid 1800s. This chubby, mid-sized pear resists conforming to a conventional fresh eating category. Imagine a delightfully, crunchy crisp texture, like an Asian pear, fused with rich European pear flavours. Smooth and succulent, with a subtle honey sweetness, it is juicy, but not dripping and has practically no core. Come to think of it - ?Honeycrisp? would be the perfect description for this pear. Perhaps we ought to rename it! Clara Frijs will store for about 2 months.

NEEDS A POLLENIZER | ZONE 4 | HARVEST: EARLY SEPT.