Pyrus communis Figue d’Alençon - Pear Tree

The Figue d'Alençon pear tree or Winter Fig is an old, hardy and vigorous variety that is characterised by the fig-like shape of its fruits. It produces a medium-sized, pear-shaped, elongated, rounded fruit, bossed at the top. Its quite thick skin is a bit rough, light green, turning yellow when ripe, punctuated with tawny and brown and reddish when exposed to sunlight. Its white-greenish flesh is semi-fine and quite melting, juicy, a little grainy at the core, very sweet, pleasantly acidic, but sometimes tainted with an unpleasant bitterness. The harvest extends from November to December, the fruit ripens in December and can be stored until mid-February. Subtly acidic and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to be enjoyed 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 the forests of Western Asia. Over the centuries, a large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe.

The Figue d'Alençon variety, also known as Winter Fig or Bonnissime de la Sarthe, was discovered around 1829 in a nursery owned by Mr. Lecomte-Mortefontaine, in the commune of Cuissai, near Alençon (Orne). This pear forms a tree with a fairly upright structure that can reach approximately 5 metres (16 feet) high by 4 metres (13 feet) in spread when mature, producing numerous spreading branches. Its habit is well suited to tall forms (on a stem), low forms (bush) or trained forms (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage is composed of large leaves 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long, alternate, ovate, shiny green with autumnal yellow-orange hues. Flowering occurs in April, which generally protects it from frost. The single white flowers, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter and grouped in umbels, are nectar-rich. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3 °C. It is a hardy tree that withstands temperatures around -25 °C, and is suitable for cultivation in all regions, including at high altitudes. This Pear tree is said to be self-sterile or self-incompatible, the flowers cannot fertilise themselves. That's why the presence of other pear varieties, nearby, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary. For example, varieties like Beurré Hardy, Conference, Doyenné du Comice, Jules Guyot, William's Bon Chrétien, William's Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination, thus increasing the number of fruits.

The Figue d'Alençon Pear Tree is a high-yielding, very fertile variety, with rapid fruiting and abundant and regular fruit production. The harvest begins from November, and the fruits can be picked and eaten as soon as they are ripe. The pear can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries and desserts, in fruit salads or recipes, 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 fruit syrups. The pear is rich in water and quenches thirst. It is very fleshy and satisfying. It is moderately calorific and well endowed with potassium, calcium and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Its content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants and fibres makes the pear a healthy, invigorating, energising and rehydrating choice. The fruits can be stored for 2 to 4 months after harvest. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10 °C or in a cold room, airtight from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3 °C.

The pear tree is a popular tree in gardens, thanks to its fruits. Among the wide range of pear trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits your taste.