Beurré Giffard Pear

Overview

Beurré Giffard is a classic early-season European pear known for its elegant tree form, precocity, and excellent dessert quality. We became aware of it when friend and fellow fruit growers Hal Barkdull had proclaimed it "the best pear I've ever tried and I hadn't even liked pears until I tried this one."

It does well in moderately cold climates (although key word is moderately. Please read our notes on its hardiness at the bottom).

Tree Characteristics

According to Bob Purvis:
“Tree has reddish new growth, willowy growth habit, precocious in bearing, blossoms with Summercrisp.

Pair it with other early blooming pears (see our pear pollination chart).

Fruit Description

“Fruits are medium sized, somewhat pyriform, good tasting even when slightly unripe, sweet with vinous flavor notes, but keep only a month or two at best.”

Season & Use

“One of the best of the summer pears, grown commercially in southern Quebec.”

With its early ripening window and delicate flavor, Beurré Giffard is a top-tier fresh eating summer pear and can also be used for short-term storage (1–2 months). Keeps better than other summer pears such as Summercrisp.

Hardiness

Maybe one of the biggest demerits of Beurré Giffard is that the tree is not hardy below –30°F. Some areas in Montana have not hit -30°F or below since the 80's. This includes warmer microclimates in the following areas: Missoula, Flathead Lake area, Paradise, Florence/Lolo, and perhaps some other areas because this list is not exhaustive. Make sure the tree is protected and out of the frost/up on a bench.