Pear (pyrus communis) CAP DE PISICĂ

Pear (Pyrus communis) 'Cap de Pisică' ('Catillac')

Historic winter variety with large fruits, ideal for storage and cooking.

'Cap de Pisică' (translated as "Cat's Head", originally 'Catillac') is a very old, traditional pear variety with roots in France, where it was grown in the royal gardens of Versailles. It has long been established in Romania. It is a typical winter variety that requires storage to fully develop its exceptional taste and buttery consistency.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Excellent long-term storage (until spring).
• Taste and texture improve with storage (becomes buttery and sweet).
• Large fruits (200 – 250 g).
• Flesh without stone cells.
• One of the best varieties for cooking and baking.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: France (traditional variety 'Catillac')
• History: Known from historical books, traditional in Romania in Muscel-Argeș and Voinești-Dâmbovița regions.
• Meaning of name: "Cat's Head"

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium (height 4 – 5 m).
• Yield: Rich and regular.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, 200 – 250 g.
• Shape: Conical.
• Skin: Thin, smooth, yellow-green with a reddish tint (may turn brownish/rusty at full maturity).
• Flesh: White, dense, without stone cells.
• Taste: Firm at harvest. After 2-3 months of storage, it becomes melting (buttery), very juicy, and sweet with an exceptional aroma.
• Usage: Excellent for cooking and baking (compotes, desserts). Also great for fresh consumption after storage.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Has good resistance to diseases and pests.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-sterile. Suitable pollinators: 'Bosc', 'Williams', 'Conference', 'Cure'.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Second half of October.
• Storage: Excellent, lasts 4 – 5 months (until February or March).