Pear Tree Durondeau – AB

Description

Poirier Durondeau

The Durondeau pear tree, also known as Beurré Durondeau or Poire de Tongre, is a historic Belgian variety obtained in 1811 by Charles Louis Durondeau in Tongre-Notre-Dame, near Tournai. This remarkable autumn pear is part of the Belgian fruit heritage and is particularly popular in the North of France.

Known for its juicy flesh and unique acidic-vinous taste , this variety offers a distinctive taste experience that appeals to lovers of authentic pears. Its name pays tribute to its breeder, Charles Louis Durondeau, a brewer by profession.

Characteristics of the fruit

Durondeau pears are distinguished by their imposing size – medium to very large – and their conical pear-shaped shape, often slightly bumpy. Their epidermis has a characteristic dark yellow to bronze colour, lighter when ripe, with a beautiful carmine red hue on the side exposed to the sun.

The white flesh is firm and slightly crunchy, becoming semi-melting when ripe. It offers a particular, semi-acidic texture, abundant in sugar water and develops an exquisite fragrance with characteristic vinous notes.

red cheek

Flavour and use

Durondeau pear tree offers a dual taste personality depending on the period of consumption. Picked in September, it is perfect for cooking and excels in culinary preparations, compotes, pies and accompaniments to savory dishes.

🍐 Taste transformation : From October, it becomes an excellent dessert pear, fully developing its aromas and melting texture. This evolution makes it a versatile fruit suitable for multiple uses.

Recommended Uses

• September : Exclusively for cooking (compotes, pies, jams)
• October-November : Excellent dessert pear to eat
• Gastronomic cuisine : Accompaniment of white meats and game
• Baking : Ideal for pies and cakes

Cultivation and maintenance

The Durondeau pear tree is a tree of medium vigour that develops a broad pyramidal crown with thin drooping branches. It is particularly suitable for growing low-stems, bushes or vertical trellised forms.

This variety stands out for its very high fertility and its ability to produce abundant harvests, especially in pyramid management. Its remarkable hardiness (resistant to -15°C) makes it an ideal choice for regions with a harsh climate.

Cultural requirements

• Exposure : Full sun, ideally south or south-east facing
• Soil : Prefers normal, well-drained but cool soils
• pH : Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils
• Watering : Regular during hot periods

Pollination and associations

The Durondeau pear tree is self-sterile and absolutely requires the presence of a compatible pollinator. This strain produces good quality pollen, which also makes it an excellent pollinator for other strains.

For optimal pollination, pair it with Hardy Buttered Pear, Williams Pear or Conference Pear.

💡 Expert tip : Louise Bonne d’Avranches and Doyenné du Comice are also excellent companions for this variety.

Harvesting and storage

The harvest takes place in the second half of September, when the fruit easily detaches from the tree. Pears must be harvested before full maturity to optimize their conservation.

📦 Good natural storage : The fruits can be stored naturally until the beginning of November, about 2 to 3 months in good conditions (cool cellar, controlled temperature).

Disease resistance

The Durondeau pear tree has varying resistance to diseases depending on the source. Some indicate good resistance to scab and fire blight, while others mention susceptibility to these diseases.

⚠️ Recommended vigilance : Regular health monitoring is recommended, especially for scab. Growing in well-exposed espalier can minimize the risks.

Advantages and qualities

• 🍐 Unique taste : Distinctive tangy-vinous flavour
• 📈 Highly productive : Generous and fertile tree
• 🌡️ Excellent hardiness : Resistant to -15°C
• 🍽️ Versatility : Cooking and dessert pears
• 🏛️ Heritage : Belgian historical variety (1811)
• 🌸 Good pollinator : Produces quality pollen

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