Pyrus communis Olivier De Serres - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis Olivier De Serres is an ancient variety, hardy and moderately vigorous. It produces a medium to large-sized fruit, apple-shaped, round, with a bumpy surface and a short stem. Its skin is thin, green-yellow, abundantly punctuated with irregular brown spots. Its white flesh is fine, completely melting, very juicy, sweet, pleasantly tart, and fragrant. The harvest takes place in October and the fruits are consumed as they ripen from February to March. Pleasantly tart and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to enjoy fresh. When cooked, it is a pear 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 thus 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 very large number of cultivars have appeared. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe.

Derived from a seedling of the Fortuné d'Angers variety, the Olivier De Serres variety was obtained in 1847 by Mr. Boisbunel, a horticulturist in Rouen who had already obtained the famous Passe Crassane pear. Then commercialised around 1851, it is named after Olivier de Serres, an Ardèche Agronomist. This pear tree forms a tree with a fairly upright structure that can reach 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) in height, producing many slightly arched branches. Its habit is well suited to tall forms (on a stem) or low forms (bush form) or trained forms (espalier). Its deciduous foliage is composed of large leaves, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long, alternate, ovate, shiny green, taking on yellow-orange autumnal hues. 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 nectar-bearing. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -25°C (-13°F) and is suitable for cultivation in most regions, including at higher altitudes. This pear tree is self-sterile or self-incompatible, the flowers cannot fertilise themselves. That is why the presence of other pear varieties, nearby, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary. For example, the varieties Beurré Hardy, Comtesse de Paris, Conférence, Doyenné du Comice, Louise Bonne d'Avranches, William's Bon Chrétien, and William Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination, thus increasing the number of fruits.

Olivier De Serres is a variety that is quite low in fertility, with rapid fruiting. Harvesting begins in early October and extends throughout the month. The fruits are consumed from January to March as they ripen. Raw or cooked, the pear can be used in compotes, pastries, desserts, fruit salads, or combined with cheeses or served alongside savoury dishes, such as ducks, white meats (poultry and lamb), or game. It is also perfect for making juice or preserved fruits in syrup. Rich in water, the pear is refreshing and thirst-quenching. Very fleshy, it provides a great feeling of satiety. Moderately calorific, it is well endowed with potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Its content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fibres make the pear a health asset. It is invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored for 3 to 5 months after harvesting. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10°C (46.4 to 50°F) or in a cold room, sealed off from outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F).

In the Pear category, Pyrus domestica Olivier De Serres is a hardy and vigorous variety, susceptible to scab and bacterial fire blight. This fruit tree likes deep soils, but dislikes excessively draining, dry, and calcareous soils. In order 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 in the centre of the tree, will provide light and give the fruits a beautiful colouration. This will also limit the occurrence of diseases. Very popular thanks to its fruit, 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 taste.