This tree is large, precocious, and productive. The crotch angles are typically wide, and the tree appears to be scab resistant. Hendre Huffcap is extremely productive, and fruit thinning will often be necessary to prevent limb breakage. This variety is used exclusively for perry production; it is not suitable for fresh eating.

Hendre Huffcap is a small, elliptical pear that ripens midseason. The skin is green-yellow with a slight orange flush and some russeting around the stem and calyx. Stone cells are concentrated around the core and near the calyx. The fruit should be milled within two weeks of harvest, and it yields a light, high-quality juice that is low in tannin. (From Brooks and Olmo: juice acidity 0.37, tannins 0.08, specific gravity 1.059.)

The Hendre Huffcap is related to, but distinct from the Yellow Huffcap. The name Huffcap may have come from a potent ale that could "lift ones cap," or it might refer to the act of lifting your cup when making a toast.