As the days shorten and the orchard shifts from the sun-kissed flavors of summer to the richness of fall, one fruit rises to the top of our favorites list: the Warren pear. Known for its floral flavor profile with tropical tones and silky texture, this pear has become a seasonal star at Frog Hollow Farm.
Why We Love It
The Warren pear delivers what most pears only promise. With a soft, juicy flesh and a melting mouthfeel, it avoids the graininess that often comes with other varieties. Each bite is sweet, juicy, smooth and refreshing, making it a pear that delights whether you eat it fresh or cook it into something special.
Part of the magic of the Warren lies in its versatility. Slice it fresh with a wedge of pecorino, roast it alongside persimmons and walnuts for a hearty fall dish, or poach it in wine for a decadent dessert. It also shines in soups, salads, and crisps. Whatever the recipe, the Warren pear brings a touch of elegance and a lot of flavor.
Farmer Al sums it up best: “Commercial farmers won’t grow Warren pears, even though it has a superior taste to common pears like the Bartlett. They say it’s too fragile, too much work. But if you do put in the time and effort it takes to grow the Warren, you reap the benefits ten-fold in how it tastes.”
A Bountiful Year & Flavorful Holiday Season
This year, we’re especially excited — our Warren pear yield is nearly 80% higher than last season’s! We anticipate having these beloved pears through the holidays, a rare and delicious gift in itself. With their buttery texture and floral sweetness, Warren pears shine on festive tables, elevate charcuterie boards, and make unforgettable gifts — especially in our Warren Pear and Cheese Box.
That abundance is thanks to favorable weather during bloom time, as well as some careful practices in the orchard.
Because Warren pears aren’t self-pollinating, they rely on pollen from neighboring pear trees and the hardworking bees that move it around. If bloom time is wet, pollination rates drop, reducing yields. To help nature along, we also introduce extra pollen by mechanically blowing it into the orchard with a special machine, serving as an added insurance policy against unpredictable spring weather.
We also focused on bud thinning this season, removing extra buds before they could bloom. This gives the tree more energy to devote to the remaining fruit, resulting in pears that are juicier and more flavorful. With Warren pears, thinning buds rather than fruit is especially important since it helps the tree conserve energy before the blossoms even set.
The Art of Ripening
Unlike our stone fruits, which ripen on the tree in the summer sun, pears require a different approach. After harvest, Warren pears need a little time in cold storage to reach their peak. At just a few degrees above freezing, their starches slowly turn to sugars, the skin thins, and the fruit develops that juicy, silky texture we love.
Once the Warren pears are out of the cold fridge and in your kitchen, knowing when they are ripe is part of the fun. Watch for the color of the pear to shift from bright green to a soft yellow. The skin will begin to wrinkle around the stem, and a gentle press near the stem should give - just like with an avocado. A subtle fragrance will also signal that your pear is perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy!
Order Yours Today
Warren pears are a testament to what happens when patience, care, and a little ingenuity come together in the orchard. This year’s crop is abundant and exceptional, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy them at home. Order yours today and savor this delicious Fall fruit in all of your seasonal recipes!