Comice is widely considered to have the best flavour of any pear. It has both the characteristic "melting" flesh of the highest quality pear varieties, along with a sweet richness and delicacy which others can't quite attain.
Although originating from France it was planted in many other countries by the late 19th century. The English fruit enthusiast Robert Hogg, writing in the 1890s, records several letters from fellow enthusiasts praising its "surpassing flavour".
Next deliveries: December 2023 - February 2024.
As befits such a refined pear, Doyenne du Comice needs to be grown in a sheltered sunny situation.
The other important consideration with Comice is that it needs a reliable pollination partner nearby, as the shape of its flowers can make it difficult for successful pollination to occur. Conference is a good choice as it is a naturally good pollinator - plant it close to the Comice to ensure maximum cross-pollination.
The fruit size is relatively large by pear standards - provided you thin the fruitlets in late spring.
As with all pears, it is important to get the time of picking right. Unlike apples, which are usually best if left to ripen on the tree, pears should be picked under-ripe and then ripened indoors (or in a fridge). In the UK Doyenne du Comice is generally ready to pick in early to mid October.
Comice was raised in the garden of the Comice Horticole, in the town of Angers in the Loire valley, France, in the mid-19th century.