Général Leclerc

‘Général Leclerc’ is a modern French variety valued for the excellent flavour and distinctive heavily russeted appearance of its fruit.

The large pear is rounded, broad and sometimes slightly irregular in shape. Its thick, robust skin is initially greenish yellow and becomes extensively covered with tawny to copper-coloured russet, whose intensity varies according to exposure and growing conditions.

The creamy-white flesh is fine, tender, melting and exceptionally juicy. Its flavour is richly sweet, slightly acidic and above all highly aromatic, with eating qualities close to those of its parent ‘Doyenné du Comice’.

Harvest generally takes place during the second half of September and may be slightly staggered. The fruit then continues to ripen after picking and can be stored for three to four months under suitable conditions.

The tree is vigorous, quick to begin cropping and initially semi-upright, becoming more open as it matures. Crops are abundant, but may become biennial unless the fruit is adequately thinned. The variety has good compatibility with quince and is relatively little affected by scab. However, it is susceptible to fire blight, pear psylla and certain bacterial diseases. A compatible pollinating variety is recommended, although ‘Général Leclerc’ has a natural ability to produce some fruit without fertilisation.