Pyrus communis Soldier Labourer - Pear Tree

The Pyrus communis Soldat Laboureur is an old variety, hardy, vigorous, with a semi-erect habit and resistant to scab. It produces medium to large-sized fruit, pear-shaped, ovoid or turbinate, with a bossed surface. Its skin is smooth, quite thick, yellow, marbled with brown spots. Its yellowish-white flesh is moderately fine, melting, juicy, sweet, and delicately fragrant. Harvesting takes place from late September to mid-October, as the fruits ripen. They can be consumed immediately after picking and can be stored until December. Pleasantly acidic and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to enjoy fresh. When cooked, it is a variety that lends itself well to many sweet or savory recipes. This Pear tree prefers a sunny exposure, in well-draining, fresh, deep, rich, 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.

The Pyrus communis (Common Pear) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is native to the forests of Western Asia. In France, pear trees appeared in the 16th century, where under the reign of Louis XIV, several species were cultivated in the king's gardens. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe. Soldat Laboureur was obtained by Major Esperen in Malines (Belgium) around 1820.

The Soldat Laboureur Pear tree is a tree with a semi-erect framework that can reach a height of 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 feet), producing numerous slightly arched branches. Its habit is suitable for tall forms (on a stem) or low forms (bush) or espalier forms (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage consists of large leaves, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long, alternate, ovate, glossy green, turning yellow-orange in autumn. 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 nectariferous. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3 °C. It is a hardy tree that tolerates 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, as the flowers cannot fertilize themselves. That is why the presence of other pear varieties, in close proximity, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary. For example, the varieties Conference, Doyenne du Comice, Beurre Hardy, Beurre Clairgeau, Louise Bonne, Passe-Crassane, Williams, and William Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination, thereby increasing the number of fruits.

The Soldat Laboureur Pear tree is a high-yielding variety with fairly rapid fruiting. The fruiting, abundant and regular, begins from late September and continues until mid-October. The fruits can be consumed as they ripen at harvest. Pears can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, desserts, fruit salads, or combined with cheeses or served alongside savory dishes, such as duck, white meats (poultry and lamb), or game. They are also perfect for making juice or syrup-soaked fruits. Rich in water, pears are refreshing and thirst-quenching. With their fleshy texture, they provide a great sense of satiety. Moderately calorific, they are rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, and provide a significant amount of iron. 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, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature around 8 to 10 °C or in a cold room, sealed from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3 °C.

In the category of Pear trees, the Pyrus domestica Soldat Laboureur is a hardy and vigorous variety, resistant to scab. Easy to grow, it likes fresh and deep soils, but avoids excessively draining and calcareous soils. To obtain high-quality fruits, thinning should be practiced by reducing the number of fruits on the tree. Pruning for ventilation, by removing some branches in the center of the tree, will provide light and give the fruits a beautiful color. 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 one's desires.