Pyrus communis Durondeau - Pear Tree

The Durondeau pear tree, also known as Beurré Durondeau or Beurré de Tongre, is an old variety of hardy Belgian pear tree, with medium vigour and a pyramidal habit. It produces a medium to large pear, pear-shaped, bulging or turbinate, and slightly bossed on its circumference. Its skin is semi-rough, thick, dark green, marbled with beige spots, turning reddish on the sunny side. Its white flesh is semi-fine, crunchy before ripening, then juicy, sweet, melting and slightly acidic as it ripens, with few or no seeds. Harvesting takes place from late September to mid-October, as the fruits ripen, which can be consumed as soon as they are picked and can be stored until November. Pleasantly acidic and rich in sugar, it is an excellent pear to enjoy fresh. When cooked, it is a variety that lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. 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 Western Asia. Its cultivation is widely spread throughout Europe. The Durondeau variety was obtained by Charles Louis Durondeau in 1811 in Tongres Notre Dame, near Tournai in Belgium.

The Durondeau Pear Tree is an upright tree that can reach a height of 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet), producing numerous slightly arched and trailing branches. Its fairly pyramidal habit is well suited to tall forms (on a stem) or low forms (in a goblet shape) or espalier forms (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 usually 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. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -25 °C, and it is suitable for cultivation in most regions. 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 nearby, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary. For example, the varieties Clapp's Favorite, Charneux, Conference, Doyenné du Comice, Beurré Hardy, Louise Bonne d'Avranches, Passe-Crassane, Williams, and William Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination, thus increasing the number of fruits.

The Durondeau Pear Tree is a high-yielding variety, with fairly rapid fruiting. The fruiting, abundant and regular, begins from late September and extends until mid-October. The pear can be consumed both raw and 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 juices or fruits in syrup. Rich in water, the pear refreshes and quenches the thirst. Very fleshy, it provides great satiety. Moderately calorific, it is well supplied with potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron intake. 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 November-December. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature of around 8 to 10 °C, or in a cold room, airtight to the outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3 °C.

In the Pear Trees category, Pyrus domestica Durondeau is a hardy and vigorous variety, quite resistant to scab and fire blight. This fruit tree likes fresh and deep soils, but it dislikes soils that are too porous and alkaline. 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 colouration. 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.