Pyrus communis Président Héron - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis President Heron is an old, hardy, vigorous, and very productive variety. It produces a medium to large-sized fruit, pear-shaped, ovoid, truncated, and pot-bellied. Its skin is rough, fairly thin, uniformly tawny, bronzed when exposed to sunlight. Its white flesh is fine, melting, very juicy and sweet, and deliciously aromatic. Harvesting takes place in September-October, and the fruits can be consumed as soon as they are picked and can be stored for 3 to 4 months. Pleasantly acidic and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to enjoy as is. 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 forests in Western Asia. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have appeared. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe.

Derived from a seedling of Beurré d'Amanlis, the President Heron variety was obtained in Rouen in 1883 and then commercialized by Arsène Sannier in 1894. This pear tree forms an upright tree with a height of 4 to 5 metres (13 to 16 feet), producing many large, slightly arched branches, with a spreading habit. Its habit is suitable for tall forms (on a stem), low forms (bush), or espalier (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage is composed of large leaves, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long, alternate, ovate, shiny green, turning yellow-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in April, which usually 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. It is a hardy tree that withstands temperatures around -25°C and is adapted to cultivation in most regions, including at high 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. The varieties Beurré Hardy, Comtesse de Paris, Doyenné du Comice, Louise Bonne d'Avranches, and William Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination and thus increase the number of fruits.

The President Heron Pear is a high-yielding variety, quick to bear fruit, and with abundant and regular fruiting. Harvesting begins from late September and extends until October. The fruits can be consumed as soon as they are picked, as they ripen. The pear can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, desserts, fruit salads, or alongside 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. Rich in water, the pear refreshes and quenches thirst. 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 4 months after harvesting. Storage can be done in a cool, dry 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 Pear category, Pyrus domestica President Heron is a hardy and vigorous variety, less susceptible to scab and fire blight. This fruit tree likes deep soils but dislikes excessively draining, dry, and alkaline 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 colour. It 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.