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Starkrimson pears are medium to large in size, averaging seven centimeters in diameter and ten centimeters in length, and have a pyriform, or traditional pear shape with a wide, bulbous bottom and a tapered, rounded neck. The smooth, thin crimson skin may be mottled with dusty green hues and transforms to bright red when ripe. The skin is also covered in prominent lenticels or pores and connects to a thick, brown-green stem. The ivory to cream-colored flesh is moist, crisp, fine-grained, and creamy with a soft, floral aroma. When ripe, Starkrimson pears are soft and very juicy with a mild, sweet-tart flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Starkrimson pears are available in the late summer through winter.
Current Facts
Starkrimson pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a late summer variety and are members of the Rosaceae family along with apples and apricots. Also known as Red Clapp’s, Kalle, and Red Crimson, Starkrimson pears are one of the earliest varieties in pear season and are a mutation of the famous green clapp’s favorite pear. The name Starkrimson came from a combination of the color of the fruit and the Stark Bros company name as they own the rights to grow the variety. Valued for their bright color and sweet flavor, Starkrimson pears are commonly consumed fresh to showcase their unique jewel-toned skin.
Nutritional Value
Starkrimson pears are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, and also contain calcium, potassium, and some copper.
Applications
Starkrimson pears are best suited for raw applications as their bright red flesh is showcased when consumed fresh, but they can also be used for baking and canning. They can be sliced and mixed into pasta salads, fruit salads, and green salads, served as a topping on pizza, paired with strong cheeses on a charcuterie board, served with pesto and fresh cheese as an appetizer, or blended into smoothies, cereal, and yogurt bowls. They can also be used in some desserts such as popovers, bread, and cakes. Starkrimson pears compliment cheeses such as burrata, goat, gorgonzola, and blue, nuts such as hazelnut, almonds, and pine nuts, mint, cilantro, greens such as radicchio, kale, arugula, and watercress, jicama, carrots, garlic, onions, meats such as pulled pork, beef, and chicken, strawberries, kiwi, apple, lime, avocado, quinoa, and chocolate. Starkrimson pears will keep up to three weeks when stored in the refrigerator and for a couple of days when stored at room temperature.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Starkrimson pears have many names which reflect the colorful history of the pear. The name Red Clapp’s Favorite stems from the originally discovered fruit as it was a mutation found on a green clapp’s favorite pear tree, and Kalle is the last name of the grower who discovered the new mutation. Starkrimson is a trademarked name that was given to the variety after the pear’s discoverer transferred the rights to grow the pear to Stark Bros Nursery in Missouri. Unlike other varieties, Starkrimson pears are unique as they are deemed ripe by the color of their skin and should not be checked by using the neck test. These pears transform from a deep red to a bright red and will ripen from the inside out. If judged by the feel of the neck, the fruit will most likely be overripe before the neck shows signs of softness.
Geography/History
Starkrimson pears were originally discovered as a sport, or mutation, on a clapp’s tree in Missouri by Adrian Kalle in Van Buren County, Michigan in the early 1950s. Kalle then transferred the rights to Stark Bros Nursery in 1952, and a few years later they were introduced by Stark Bros as Starkrimson in 1956. Today, Starkrimson pears can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers and are grown in the United States, Chile, and New Zealand.
Portland Farmers Market At PSU
1803 SW Park Ave Portland OR 97201
Starkrimson pears are known for their striking crimson skin, which brightens to vivid red as they ripen. Their flesh is ivory to cream-colored, moist, and fine-grained, offering a crisp yet creamy texture. These pears have a soft floral aroma and deliver a mild, sweet-tart flavor when ripe. Their unique pyriform shape and prominent lenticels add to their visual appeal, while their juicy quality enhances the eating experience.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Starkrimson Pears from Frog Hollow Farm…Starkrimson pears from Frog Hollow Farm are highly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. They shine in raw applications, offering vibrant color and flavor in fresh salads or charcuterie boards. They also pair well with cheeses like burrata and gorgonzola, nuts such as almonds, and greens like arugula. For storage, they last up to three weeks refrigerated or a few days at room temperature.
Brogdale Collections
Brogdale Farm House, Brogdale Rd, Faversham ME13 8XZ, United Kingdom
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+44 1795 536250 [email protected]
Starkrimson pears are a late summer variety of Pyrus communis and are part of the Rosaceae family, which includes apples and apricots. Known for their striking red skin, they are a mutation of the green Clapp’s favorite pear and are one of the earliest varieties of the pear season. Their name combines the fruit's vibrant color with the Stark Bros company name, which owns the rights to grow this variety. Their sweet flavor makes them ideal for enjoying fresh.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards
Parkdale, WA
Starkrimson Pears: Originally discovered as a natural mutation on a Clapp's tree in Missouri during the early 1950s, these pears were introduced under the name "Starkrimson" by Stark Bros Nursery in 1956. They are now cultivated in the United States, Chile, and New Zealand and can often be found at farmers markets and specialty stores, celebrated for their vibrant color and unique origin.
Chequamegon Food Co-op
700 Main Street West Ashland WI 54806
(715) 682-8251
Starkrimson Pears: Starkrimson pears are unique in that their ripeness is determined by skin color, not the typical neck test. The pears transition from deep red to bright red hues as they ripen from the inside out. Originally called Red Clapp’s Favorite, they were discovered as a mutation and later renamed after the rights were acquired by Stark Bros Nursery. Judging ripeness by touch would likely result in overripe fruit.
Sprouts Grocery Stores
2551 Blackmon Dr. Decatur GA 30033
(404) 965-6290
Red Pears at Sprouts Farmers Market Decatur near Atlanta…Starkrimson Pears: These pears are known for their vibrant crimson skin that ripens to a bright red, marked with small pores called lenticels. They feature ivory to cream-colored flesh that's moist, crisp, and creamy in texture, with a soft floral aroma. When ripe, they offer a juicy bite and a mild, sweet-tart flavor, making them a delightful addition to your fruit selection.
Deklab Farmers Market
3000 Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur Georgia 30031
(404) 377-6400
Red Starkrimson pears at Dekalb Farmers Market..Starkrimson pears, like the Red Starkrimson pears you saw, are versatile and can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. They pair well with cheeses like goat and blue, nuts such as almonds, and greens like kale and arugula. You can add them to salads, blend them into smoothies, or bake them into bread and cakes. Stored in the refrigerator, they can stay fresh for up to three weeks, but only a couple of days at room temperature.
Starkrimson Pears spotted at Whole Foods Market…Starkrimson Pears were first discovered as a natural mutation on a Clapp’s tree in Missouri during the early 1950s by Adrian Kalle. The rights were transferred to Stark Bros Nursery in 1952, and the pears were officially introduced as Starkrimson in 1956. These vibrant red pears are now grown in the United States, Chile, and New Zealand, and are often found at farmers markets and specialty grocery stores.
Starkrimson Pears spotted at Central Market….Starkrimson Pears have a colorful history, originally discovered as a mutation on a green Clapp’s Favorite pear tree. The name "Red Clapp's Favorite" references its origin, while "Starkrimson" is trademarked and stems from Stark Bros Nursery acquiring the rights to grow it. These pears ripen inside out, shifting from deep red to bright red, and their skin color—not neck softness—indicates ripeness.
1st Ave and Pike St., Seattle 98101
(206) 622-1370 [email protected]
Starkrimson Pears spotted at Pike Place Market. Local, with a beautiful deep red skin, so tender and juicy they are ready to devour!
