Pyrus communis Moscou - Pear Tree

The 'Moscow' Pear Tree forms a small tree with a columnar habit and a compact size, making it suitable for gardens with limited space, container cultivation, or creating a fruit hedge. Thanks to its small size and good disease resistance, harvesting and maintenance are simplified. This variety produces relatively large, pear-shaped fruits with a smooth reddish skin. Its white flesh is fine, melting, juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic, with a delicate fragrance. In September, the fruits can be consumed immediately after harvest and can be stored for up to 2 weeks in a cool place. It is a delicious pear to be enjoyed as is. When cooked, it lends itself well to numerous sweet or savoury recipes. It is a partially self-fertile variety that will benefit from the presence of other pear trees nearby to improve pollination.

Pyrus communis (Common Pear) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It has been present in Europe since ancient times and is native to forests in Western Asia. In France, pear trees appeared in the 16th century, when several species were cultivated in the gardens of the king during the reign of Louis XIV. Over the centuries, a great number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe. The 'Moscow' variety has poorly known origins.

The 'Moscow' Pear Tree is a small tree with a columnar structure that can reach a height of 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) and a width of 60 to 80cm (24 to 32in). Its growth can be controlled through regular pruning in winter. Its deciduous foliage consists of large, alternate, ovate leaves, measuring 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in length, with a shiny green colour that turns yellow-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in April, which usually protects it from frost. The white flowers, single, with a diameter of 2 to 3cm (1in), grouped in umbels, are honey-producing but not very fragrant. They can be damaged by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It is a fairly hardy small tree that can withstand temperatures around -20°C (-4°F), but it is preferable to protect it from cold winds coming from the north. The 'Moscow' Pear is a high-yielding variety that bears fruit quickly. The abundant and regular fruiting starts from late August and continues into September. The fruits can be consumed immediately after harvesting as they ripen.

Pears can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, desserts, fruit salads, or in combination with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, such as duck, white meats (poultry and lamb), or game. They are also perfect for making juice or preserved in syrup. Rich in water, pears are refreshing and thirst-quenching. They have a fleshy texture and provide a great sense of satiety. Moderately calorie-rich, 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 healthy choice. They are invigorating, energizing, and rehydrating. After harvesting, the fruits can be stored for up to 2 weeks in a cool place or in the refrigerator.

The 'Moscow' Pear Tree prefers deep, slightly moist soils but dislikes excessively dry or chalky soils. 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 from 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 has a special place in the garden, bringing joy to both young and old. With a wide range of varieties to choose from, it is easy to find the one that best suits your desires.