Pyrus communis Beurré Giffard - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis Beurre Giffard is an ancient variety originating from Angers, hardy and quite vigorous. From the end of July, this early and productive variety produces summer pears of excellent taste. The fruit is medium-sized, pear-shaped, slightly rounded and plump, with a smooth, yellow-green skin, punctuated with brown spots and tinged with pink highlights on the sunny side. Its white flesh is fine, melting, juicy, sweet and tart, delicately fragrant, with a very light and pleasant bitterness. Harvesting takes place from the end of July and extends over 3 to 5 weeks. With a short shelf life, the fruits are consumed as they ripen. Pleasantly tart and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to enjoy fresh. Being particularly juicy, it is well-suited for making juice. 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.

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. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe.

Derived from a seedling, the Beurre Giffard variety was obtained in 1825 by Nicolas Giffard, a farmer in Les Fouassières, near La Garenne Saint Nicolas, Parish Saint-Jacques in Angers. This pear tree forms a tree with a fairly upright structure that can reach a height of 4 to 5 metres (13 to 16 feet), producing numerous divergent and twisted branches. Its pyramidal habit is well-suited for tall forms (on a stem) or low forms (bush) or espaliers (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage consists of large leaves, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long, alternate, ovate, shiny green, turning yellow-orange in autumn. 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-rich. They can be destroyed by frost at temperatures of -2 to -3°C. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -25°C and is suitable for cultivation in most regions, including at high altitudes. This Pear tree is said to be self-sterile or self-incompatible, as the flowers cannot self-pollinate. That is why the presence of other pear varieties in close proximity, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary. Early varieties such as Beurre Durondeau, Bergamote Esperen, Beurre Hardy, Jules Guyot, Louise Bonne d'Avranches, Williams or William Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination, thus increasing the number of fruits.

The Beurre Giffard Pear is a variety with a fairly good yield, moderately quick to bear fruit and with regular fruiting. Harvesting begins from the end of July and extends until the end of August. The fruit is consumed as soon as it is picked. The pear can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, and desserts, in fruit or mixed salads, in combination with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, alongside duck, white meats (poultry and lamb), or game. It is also perfect for making juice or fruits in syrup. Rich in water, the pear refreshes and quenches thirst. Very fleshy, it provides a great feeling of satiety. Moderately calorific, it is well-supplied 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 invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. The fruits have a short shelf life, so it is preferable to consume them as they ripen. Storage can be done in a cool, sanitary place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, sealed from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C.

In the Pear tree category, Pyrus domestica Beurre Giffard is a hardy and moderately vigorous variety, quite susceptible to scab. It likes fresh and deep soils, but dislikes overly porous and alkaline soils. To obtain fruits of good quality, thinning should be practiced by reducing the number of fruits on the tree. Pruning for airflow, by removing some branches in the centre of the tree, will provide light and give the fruits a beautiful colour. This will also limit the occurrence of diseases. Very popular thanks to its fruit, the pear tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits your taste.