Pyrus communis Bergamote Esperen - Pear Tree

The 'Bergamotte Esperen' Pyrus communis is an old, hardy, and vigorous variety. It produces a relatively large, flattened, bumpy and swollen fruit. Its skin is rough to the touch, yellow-green marbled with reddish spots. Its yellowish, melting, juicy, sweet and tangy flesh is delicately fragrant, sometimes grainy at its core. Harvesting occurs in November-December; the fruits are consumed from January onwards and can be stored until March-April. Pleasantly tangy and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to be enjoyed as is. Cooked variety lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. This Pear tree prefers sunny exposure in well-draining, fresh, deep, rich and non-calcareous soil. It is a partially self-fertile variety that requires the presence of other pear varieties nearby to improve pollination and increase the number of fruits.

The Pyrus communis (Common Pear) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it originates from the forests of Western Asia. In France, pear trees appeared in the 16th century, when several species were cultivated in the king's gardens under the reign of Louis XIV. Over the centuries, a vast number of cultivars have appeared. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe. The 'Bergamotte Esperen' variety belongs to the Belgian collections. It comes from a seedling carried out by Major Espéren around 1830. It can be found in France from 1844 onwards.

The 'Bergamotte Esperen' Pear tree has a reasonably upright structure and can reach a height of 5 to 6 metres (16 to 20 feet), with fairly strong branches producing many slightly arched twigs. Its habit is well suited to tall or low forms or espaliers. Its deciduous foliage comprises large leaves measuring 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long, alternate, ovate, shiny green with yellow-orange autumnal hues. Flowering occurs in April, which generally protects it from frost. The white flowers, single, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, grouped in umbels, are nectar-producing. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C. It is a hardy tree that tolerates temperatures around -25°C and is suitable for cultivation in all regions. The pear tree is considered self-sterile or self-incompatible, and the flowers cannot fertilise themselves. That is why it is necessary to have other pear varieties that flower simultaneously. Varieties such as Clapp's Favourite, Doctor Jules Guyot, Duchesse d'Angoulême, Williams, Passe Crassane, Beurré Clairgeau, Précoce de Trévoux are suitable for cross-pollination and thus increase the number of fruits.

The 'Bergamotte Esperen' Pear tree is a high-yielding variety with a relatively slow fruiting period. Abundant and regular fruiting begins in early November and continues until early December. The fruit is consumed from January to April. It is a large size, flattened, bumpy and swollen. Its skin is rough to the touch, yellow-green marbled with reddish spots. Its yellowish, melting, juicy, sweet and tangy flesh is delicately fragrant, sometimes grainy at its core. The pear can be consumed raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries and desserts, in fruit salads or mixed salads, in combination with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, alongside ducks, white meats (poultry and lamb) or game. It is also perfect for making juices or syrup-infused fruits.

Rich in water, the pear refreshes and quenches thirst. Very fleshy, it provides a great sense of satiety. Moderately caloric, it is well endowed with potassium, calcium and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Its vitamin C and E content, antioxidants, and fibres make the pear a health asset. It is refreshing, energising and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored until April if picked late. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light at around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, airtight to the outside at 1 to 3°C.

In the Pear tree category, the Bergamotte Esperen Pyrus domestica is a hardy and vigorous variety, quite susceptible to scab. It is easy to grow and likes fresh and deep soils, but it is opposed to excessively draining and chalky soils. To obtain high-quality fruits, thinning should be practised by reducing the number of fruits on the tree. By removing some branches in the centre of the tree, pruning for aeration will provide light and give the fruits a beautiful colour. This will also limit the occurrence of diseases. Very popular thanks to its fruits, the pear tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits one's desires.