The Seckel pear is a must for the home orchard. The Seckel pear is considered native to Pennsylvania, though there is some mystery surrounding its history. It’s said to be named after a local farmer who found a “wild sapling” growing just outside Philadelphia late 1700’s. The Seckel pears are small, reddish-brown russet over yellow or greenish-brown skin. Seckel pears ripen on the tree yielding juicy, fine grained, melting, sweet, spicy flesh. Good for preserving, spicing.