Hendre Huffcap is a well-known traditional English perry pear variety, used in the production of pear cider. It is a reliable cropper, and makes a light, low-tannin good quality perry.
Huffcap is an old English word commonly used to describe perry pears which have an elliptical shape - or possibly any strong drink.
Perry is a traditional drink made from fermented pear juice, and in recent years has enjoyed a resurgence in interest, along with its cousin cider. Perry is now sometimes called pear cider and although this is incorrect, the term seems to have made it more accessible to consumers.
As with cider apples, perry pears are used specifically for the qualities of their juice and are not usually eaten fresh.
Perry pears are closely related to mainstream pears, and will cross-polinate with them, and both are classified in the species Pyrus communis. However it is likely that perry pears are a distinct sub-species.
If grown on seedling rootstocks perry pears can be very long-lived, as well as growing to a considerable height and spread.
Perry production has a very long history in England and France, although with different methods of production.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.