Pyrus communis Epine du Mas - Pear Tree

The Pear Tree 'Epine du Mas', also known as 'Duc de Bordeaux', is an old variety, hardy, quite vigorous, with high yield and relatively quick fruiting. It produces a fruit of medium size, pear-shaped and regular. Its skin is smooth, quite thick, greenish-yellow, marked with grey spots, then yellow citrine when ripe, with pinkish hues when exposed to sunlight. Its white flesh is fine, melting, juicy, sweet and delicately fragrant, sometimes granular in the centre. 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 December. Pleasantly tart and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to be enjoyed as is. When cooked, it is a variety that lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. It is a partially self-fertile variety, quite susceptible to scab.

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, where during the reign of Louis XIV, several species were cultivated in the royal gardens. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have appeared. Its cultivation is widespread throughout Europe. 'Epine du Mas' or 'Duc de Bordeaux' is said to have originated from a chance seedling around 1803, in the forest of Rochechouart, near the village of Le Mas, in Haute-Vienne.

The Pear Tree 'Epine du Mas' is a tree with semi-upright structure that can reach a height of 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet), producing numerous slightly arched branches. Its habit is well suited for tall forms (on a trunk) or low forms (bush) or espaliers (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage is composed of large leaves 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long, alternate, ovate, shiny green turning yellow-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in April, which usually puts it out of reach of frost. The white flowers, single, 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter, grouped in umbels, are nectariferous. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3 °C. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -25 °C, and is suitable for cultivation in all regions of France. This Pear Tree is said to be self-sterile or self-incompatible, the flowers cannot self-pollinate. That is why the presence of other pear varieties, nearby, whose flowering occurs at the same time is necessary. For example, the varieties 'Conference', 'Doyenné du Comice', 'Beurré Hardy', 'Beurré Clairgeau', 'Passe-Crassane', 'Williams', 'William Rouge' are suitable for cross-pollination, thereby increasing the number of fruits.

Pears 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 ducks, white meats (poultry and lamb) or game. They are also perfect for making juice or preserved fruits in syrup. Rich in water, pears refresh and quench thirst. Very fleshy, they provide a great satiety. Moderately calorific, they are rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Their content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants and fiber makes pears a health asset. They are invigorating, energizing and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored until December. Storage can be done in a cool, dry place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10 °C, or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3 °C.

Pyrus domestica 'Epine du Mas' or 'Duc de Bordeaux' likes moist and deep soils, but is afraid of overly permeable and calcareous soils. In order to obtain fruits of good quality, it is necessary to thin the fruits on the tree. Pruning for better 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 wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits your desires.