BLAKE'S PRIDE PEAR is a new pear variety that offers great taste and fireblight resistance. Dr. Richard Bell, horticulturist at the ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, WV, evaluated Blake's Pride. According to Bell, Blake's Pride has two distinct advantages that should help it gain favor in the market. First, it has an aromatic, rich flavor and a juicy flesh texture that appeals to consumers. Second, it has a high degree of resistance to fireblight.

Blake's Pride is moderate in size, averaging almost 3 inches in diameter, with a short, upright stem. The skin color is yellow to light golden, with a glossy finish and a smooth, light tan russet that covers about 25% of the fruit surface. It harvests about three weeks after Bartlett and can store in air storage for at least three months without core breakdown or superficial scald.

The tree for Blake's Pride is moderate in vigor and upright-spreading. Yield is moderate to high, with the first crop three to four years after planting.