This website uses cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to personalize content, analyze how our site and apps are used, and create aggregated statistics.
We disclose data about site and app users to third parties so we can target our ads to you on other websites, and those third parties may use that data for their own purposes.
For more information on how we collect, use, and disclose this information, please review our
Privacy Policy.
Continued use of this site means you consent to our Privacy Policy.
Seckel pears are very small in size, averaging 2-5 centimeters in diameter and 5-8 centimeters in length, and are tear-drop shaped with a wide, round body that tapers to short neck and woody, brown-green stem. The bite-sized pears have smooth, thin, olive green skin and are covered in a glossy red blush that slightly darkens and becomes matte when ripe. The creamy, white to ivory flesh is dense, moist, and coarser than other pears and encases a central core with a few black-brown seeds. When ripe, Seckel pears are crisp, juicy, and possess the sweetest flavor profile of all the pear varieties.
Seasons/Availability
Seckel pears are available in the fall through winter.
Current Facts
Seckel pears, believed to be botanically classified as a hybrid cross of an Asian pear, Pyrus pyrifolia, and a European pear, Pyrus communis, are one of the smallest varieties and are members of the Rosaceae family along with apples and apricots. Also known as Sugar pears and Candy pears, Seckel pears are regarded as one of the only true American varieties commercially cultivated today. While their history is somewhat unknown, they were is discovered in Pennsylvania as a chance seedling and were cultivated for their compact size. Seckel pears are favored for their very sweet flavor and are versatile in the kitchen being used in fresh, cooked, and canned applications.
Nutritional Value
Seckel pears provide vitamin C, dietary fiber, and some potassium and calcium.
Applications
Seckel pears are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as baking, simmering, and poaching. Known as a dessert pear, Seckel pears lend a very sweet flavor to any application and are commonly consumed fresh, out-of-hand. Seckel pears are excellent for pickling and spicing as the small pears can be canned whole or halved. They also make a great snack for children fitting nicely into lunch packs, sliced and dipped in Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and honey, served with pancakes and waffles, layered in quesadillas or sandwiches, or chopped into salsas, relishes, and chutneys. Seckel pears can be used in baked goods like pies, tartlets, and muffins, dipped in caramel and chocolate as a dessert, poached with vanilla bean and cinnamon, or juiced and sliced to serve in cocktails such as mojitos. Seckel pears compliment Dijon mustard, cucumbers, carrots, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds, figs, orange juice and zest, parsley, endive, watercress, ginger, garlic, quinoa, pistachios, walnuts, almond butter, shrimp, meats such as prosciutto, smoked ham, chicken, and pork, goat cheese, manchego cheese, and chocolate. Seckel pears ripen from the inside-out, so the center softens first. To check for ripeness, press the fruit at the base of the stem. They will keep 2-7 days when stored in the refrigerator and only a couple days at room temperature.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the United States, Seckel pears are used in a variety of culinary applications in both sweet and savory preparations. With the influx of global cuisine, many fusion recipes are incorporating the small crunchy variety. Known as pear frushi, Seckel pears are thinly sliced and layered with black sesame seeds over a mixture of sushi rice, coconut milk, sugar, and wasabi paste to create a type of pear “sushi.”
Geography/History
The exact origin of Seckel pears is somewhat disputed as one theory suggests they are from the United States, while the other theory believes that they grew from seeds left by German immigrants traveling west. Despite the opposing theories, it was recorded that Seckel pears were initially discovered as a wild seedling near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the early 1800s. Today, Seckel pears can be found at local farmers markets and specialty grocers and growing in regions across the United States, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
Eataly NYC Flatiron
200 5th Ave New York, NY 10010
+1 (212) 229-2560
Seckel pears are among the smallest pear varieties, measuring just 2-5 centimeters in diameter and 5-8 centimeters in length, with a tear-drop shape and a glossy, olive green skin blushed in red. Renowned for their sweetness, these bite-sized pears have a dense, moist, and slightly coarser flesh compared to other pears, making them uniquely delightful when crisp and ripe. They are known as the sweetest of all pear varieties.
Whole Foods
Portland, OR
Seckel pears are known for their very sweet flavor, making them ideal for desserts and snacks. These small pears can be enjoyed fresh, baked, poached, or pickled, and pair well with a variety of ingredients such as goat cheese, chicken, walnuts, and chocolate. Ripening from the inside out, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-7 days or at room temperature for only a couple of days.
Cirone Farms
Paso Robles, CA
805-459-1829 [email protected]
Seckel pears are one of the smallest pear varieties and are thought to be a hybrid of an Asian pear and a European pear. Known as Sugar pears and Candy pears, they are possibly the only true American pear variety cultivated commercially today. Discovered in Pennsylvania as a chance seedling, these pears are celebrated for their very sweet taste and versatility in fresh, cooked, and canned dishes. They also offer dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
ACMA Mission Orchards
PO Box 517 Quincy WA 98848 [email protected]
Seckel pears are a uniquely American fruit, first discovered as a wild seedling near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the early 1800s. While their true origins are debated, they are believed to have been cultivated either from native stock or seeds brought by German immigrants. These bite-sized pears are popular at farmers' markets and specialty grocers, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where they thrive.
Specialty Produce Farmers Market
Seckel pears: In the United States, Seckel pears are versatile and used in both sweet and savory dishes. A unique fusion recipe called pear frushi incorporates thinly sliced Seckel pears with black sesame seeds, sushi rice, coconut milk, sugar, and wasabi paste, offering a creative take on sushi that blends global cuisines. Their small size and crunchy texture make them ideal for innovative culinary applications.
Migliorelli Farm
46 Freeborn Lane, Tivoli, New York 12583
858 757 3276
Seckel Pears spotted at Migliorelli Farm . Spotted at the Union Square Green Market in Union Square, NYC….Seckel Pears: These bite-sized fruits are some of the smallest pears, ranging only 2-5 cm in diameter and 5-8 cm in length. Their olive green skin develops a glossy red blush that darkens to matte when ripe. Known for their juicy, dense, and slightly coarse texture, they also boast the sweetest flavor among all pear varieties, with creamy ivory flesh surrounding a small central core. Perfect for snacking or cooking, they’re a delightful treat.
2001 15th Avenue W, Seattle 98119
2063525440
Seckel Pears spotted at Whole Foods Market. ..Seckel Pears have become a favorite in culinary creativity, including in fusion recipes like "pear frushi." This involves thinly slicing the pears and layering them with black sesame seeds on a mixture of sushi rice, coconut milk, sugar, and wasabi paste. The result is a sweet and savory dish that highlights the pears' unique flavor profile.
600 N 34th St, Seattle 98103
(206) 632-6811
Seckel Pears spotted at PCC Natural Markets. Also called Honey Pear, a small, reddish-brown skinned pear, crisp and very juicy!!