Pear, Summercrisp

Pyrus 'Summer Crisp', an exceptional University of Minnesota introduction that revolutionized northern pear growing, demonstrates outstanding cold hardiness in Zone 4-8 regions while producing truly extraordinary fruits unlike traditional European pears. This innovative cultivar, resulting from a meticulously planned breeding program focused on combining cold hardiness with superior eating quality, inherited the best characteristics of its complex parentage. The tree develops a naturally well-structured pyramidal form reaching 15-20 feet at maturity, with strong branch angles that support heavy crops without breakage. Its abundant white blossoms emerge in mid-spring, showing good resistance to late frost damage common in northern regions. Summer Crisp represents a distinct departure from traditional European pear characteristics, pioneering what pomologists now classify as a "crisp-flesh pear" type. The medium to large fruits (3-3.5 inches) ripen in September, developing a clear yellow-green base color highlighted with a vibrant red blush that often covers 25-50% of the fruit surface. Unlike conventional pears that require off-tree ripening and develop a soft, buttery texture, Summer Crisp delivers its peak flavor and texture profile when consumed while still firm and crisp – similar to the experience of biting into a sweet, juicy apple rather than a traditional soft pear. The distinctively crisp, juicy flesh offers an explosion of sweet flavor with perfectly balanced acidity and subtle aromatic notes, without the grittiness that can affect some pear varieties. This unique characteristic eliminates the guesswork of determining perfect ripeness that challenges many pear growers, as Summer Crisp maintains excellent quality for 2-3 weeks after harvest when refrigerated, much longer than the narrow window of optimal ripeness of traditional soft pears. For optimal production in North Dakota orchards, Summer Crisp benefits from cross-pollination with compatible varieties flowering at similar times, including Bosc, Flemish Beauty, Kieffer, or Parker. This revolutionary cultivar combines exceptional cold hardiness, disease resistance, extended storage quality, and a uniquely accessible eating experience, making it an outstanding choice for northern growers seeking reliable pear production with minimum maintenance requirements.