Pyrus communis Beurré Clairgeau - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis Beurré Clairgeau produces a large fruit, weighing between 500 and 700 grams, with an elongated pear-shaped form, slightly obtuse and often slightly contorted. Its pale green skin turns yellow when ripe, and is slightly thick, punctuated with dark green and brown spots and mottled with fawn around the stem, taking on reddish hues when exposed to the sun. Its white flesh is semi-fine, melting, slightly granular towards the core, very juicy, sweet, slightly acidic, and delicately fragrant. Harvesting takes place from late September to mid-October, the fruits can be consumed as soon as they are picked, and they can be stored until early January. It is subtly acidic and rich in sugar, a dessert pear that is delicious to enjoy fresh. When cooked, it lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes or the making of preserved pears in syrup. 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 fruits are resistant to handling and transportation. Disease-resistant variety, despite its susceptibility to scab.

Pyrus communis (Common Pear) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is native to the forests of Western Asia. Over the centuries, a large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe.

The variety 'Beurré Clairgeau', also known as Clairgeau de Nantes, Clairgeau, or Clairgeau butterbirne, was obtained around 1848 by Mr. Pierre Clairgeau, a gardener in Nantes, Loire-Atlantique. It is believed to have come from a chance seedling, probably resulting from a cross between a Beurré and a Duchesse d'Angoulême. The Belgians began its propagation in 1850. This pear forms a fairly upright tree, reaching approximately 5 metres (16 feet) high and 4 metres (13 feet) wide at maturity, producing numerous spreading branches. Its habit is well suited to tall forms (standard), low forms (bush), or trained forms (fan). Its deciduous foliage is composed of large, alternate, ovate, shiny green leaves that turn yellow-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in late April, which generally protects it from frosts. The single white, nectar-rich flowers are 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter and grouped in umbels. They can be damaged by frost from -2 to -3°C. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures of around -25°C and is suitable for cultivation in all regions, including at high altitudes. This pear tree is self-sterile or self-incompatible, meaning the flowers cannot self-pollinate. That is why the presence of other pear varieties nearby, flowering at the same time, is necessary. For example, the varieties Beurré Hardy, Conference, Doyenné du Comice, Jules Guyot, Louise Bonne d'Avranches, William's Bon Chrétien, and William's Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination, thus increasing the number of fruits.

Pyrus communis Beurré Clairgeau is a high-yielding, very fertile variety with rapid fruiting and abundant and regular fruit production. Harvesting begins from late September, and the fruits can be picked and eaten as soon as they ripe. Pears can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, desserts, fruit salads, or combined with cheeses or served alongside savoury dishes, such as duck, white meats (poultry and lamb), or game. They are also perfect for making juice or preserved fruits in syrup. Pears are rich in water, refreshing and thirst-quenching. They have a fleshy texture that provides a satisfying feeling of fullness. They are moderately calorific and rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Their content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fibres make pears a healthy, invigorating, energising, and rehydrating choice. The fruits can be stored for 2 to 3 months after harvest in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C, or in a cold room, sealed from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C.

The pear tree is very popular in our gardens thanks to its fruits. Among a wide range of pear trees, it is easy to find a variety to suit.