The ancient pear variety Großer Katzenkopf (synonym: Crown Prince Fredinand, ham pear, winter butter pear) was grown in Franconian tree nurseries as early as 1590, but is now only sporadically distributed. Every two years it bears plenty of pears of considerable size.
- Ready for picking from mid-October; Ripeness for consumption from December to January
- Very large, spherical-top-shaped fruits
- Thick, semi-glossy shell; yellowish colored, flamed brownish red on the sunny side
- many brown skin spots and slight russeting
- firm, juicy flesh with a sweet aroma; turns red when cooked
- Pears for cooking, drying and cider