POTOMAC

About the Variety: Potomac is a fire blight-resistant European pear developed through the USDA's disease-resistant pear breeding program, part of the same research effort that produced Magness and several Harrow-series pears. It was bred to combine reliable disease resistance with good Bartlett-type eating quality.

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Fruit Description: Medium to large classic pear shape with smooth greenish-yellow skin that turns golden at maturity. Flesh is white, juicy, and buttery when properly ripened, with a mild sweet flavor similar to Bartlett but slightly less aromatic.

Harvest Window for Cincinnati/Southern Ohio: Early to Mid-September

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Ripeness Indicators: CRITICAL: European pears must be picked UNRIPE and ripened off the tree.

• Pick when background color lightens toward yellow-green

• Fruit separates easily with a gentle lift

• Don't wait for softening on the tree

• After harvest: ripen at room temperature 7-10 days until the neck yields to gentle pressure

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Disease Resistance:

• Excellent resistance to fire blight

• One of the better options for growers wanting Bartlett-like flavor without Bartlett's disease vulnerability

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Best Uses:

• Fresh eating: good all-purpose Bartlett substitute

• Canning: reliable classic pear for preserves

• Storage: 1-2 months before ripening

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How to Share This Fruit: Use Potomac wherever you'd want a Bartlett but need the disease resistance, especially for volunteers or sites without regular fire blight monitoring. It pairs well in an educational lineup next to Harrow Sweet and Harrow Delight to show the range of USDA and Agriculture Canada disease-resistant pear breeding.