Pyrus communis Charneux - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis Charneux, also known as Legipont or Fondante de Charneux, is an old variety of Belgian pear, hardy and vigorous, with a pyramidal habit. It produces a large, pear-shaped fruit, bulging, more or less elongated and slightly dented around its circumference. Its skin is smooth, fairly thin, green, tinged with yellow, more or less sprinkled with grey dots, taking on slight reddish hues on the sunny side. Its white-yellow flesh is fine, melting, juicy, sweet, slightly acidic and delicately fragrant. Harvesting takes place from early October to late October, as the fruits ripen, which can be eaten as soon as they are picked and can be stored until December. Pleasantly acidic and rich in sugar, it is an excellent pear to enjoy fresh. Cooked, it is a variety that lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. This Pear tree prefers a sunny exposure, in well-draining, cool, 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.

Pyrus communis (Common Pear) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it originates from forests in West Asia. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe. The Charneux variety, also known as Legipont, Fondante de Charneux or Miel de Waterloo, was obtained by Martin-Joseph Légipont in 1800 in Charneux (Terre de Herve), near Liège in Belgium.

The Charneux Pear tree is an upright tree that can reach a height of 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet), producing numerous slightly arched branches. Its fairly pyramidal habit is well suited to tall forms (on a stem) or low forms (bush) or trained forms (fan-shaped). Its deciduous foliage consists of large leaves, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long, alternate, ovate, shiny green with yellow-orange autumn 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-bearing. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It is a hardy tree that tolerates temperatures around -25°C (-13°F), 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 fertilise themselves. That is why the presence of other pear varieties in close proximity, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary. The varieties Clapp's Favorite, Conference, Doyenné du Comice, Beurre Hardy, Louise Bonne d'Avranches, Passe-Crassane, Triomphe de Vienne or Williams are suitable for cross-pollination, thereby increasing the number of fruits.

The Charneux Pear tree is a high-yielding variety, with quick fruiting and abundant and regular production. Harvesting begins in early October and continues throughout the month. The fruits can be eaten as soon as they are picked, as they ripen. The pear can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries and desserts, in fruit salads 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 juices or syruped fruits. 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 content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants and fibres makes the pear a health asset. It is invigorating, energising and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored until December. Storage can be done in a cool, sanitary place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F) or in a cold room, sealed from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F).

In the Pear Trees category, Pyrus domestica Charneux is a hardy and vigorous variety, quite resistant to scab. This fruit tree likes cool and deep soils, but is wary of excessively draining and alkaline soils. In order to obtain high-quality fruits, thinning should be practiced by reducing the number of fruits on the tree. Pruning for aeration, 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 fruits, the pear tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. With a very wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits your taste.