Pyrus communis Royal Vendée - Pear Tree

The Royal Vendée pear tree is an old, hardy and moderately vigorous variety that is characterised by its generous yield. It produces medium-sized, ovoid or rounded fruit, with a small projection at the top. Its light green skin turns yellow when ripe and is spotted and streaked with russet, and ringed with brown around the stalk. Its flesh is white-green, extremely fine and melting, very juicy, sweet, pleasantly acidic, and delightfully fragrant, slightly granular in the centre. The harvest takes place in October, the fruits are ripe in December, and they can be stored until mid-February. It is subtly acidic and rich in sugar, a delicious pear to enjoy fresh. When cooked, it 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.

Plants from Organic Farming

Pyrus communis (Common Pear) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is native to forests in Western Asia. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have appeared. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe.

The Royal Vendée variety, obtained from seed, was developed in 1860 by Count Eugène des Nouhes (1814-1903) on his property in Cacaudière, Pouzauges (Vendée). This pear forms a fairly upright tree that can reach approximately 6 metres (20 feet) high and 4 metres (13 feet) wide at maturity, producing relatively large branches that are upright at the top and spread out at the base. Its habit is well suited to tall forms (standard trees), low forms (bush trees) or espaliers (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage consists of large, alternate, ovate, shiny green leaves that turn yellow-orange in autumn. Flowering occurs in April, which generally protects it from frost. The single white flowers, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter and grouped in umbels, are nectar-rich. They can be destroyed by frost at temperatures of -2 to -3°C. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -25°C and is suitable for cultivation in all regions, including at high altitudes. This Pear tree is self-sterile or self-incompatible, meaning the flowers cannot fertilise themselves. That is why the presence of other pear varieties which flower at the same time is necessary. For example, varieties such as Beurré Hardy, Conference, Doyenné du Comice, Jules Guyot, William's Bon Chrétien, William's Rouge are suitable for cross-pollination, thus increasing the number of fruits.

The Royal Vendée pear tree is a high-yielding, very fertile variety, with rapid fruiting and abundant and regular fruit production. The harvest begins in late September, and the fruits can be consumed as soon as they are ripe. The pear can be eaten raw or cooked, in compotes, pastries, and desserts, in fruit salads or mixed salads, with 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. The pear is rich in water, refreshing and thirst-quenching. It is very fleshy and satisfying. It is moderately calorific, well supplied with potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Its content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fibre make the pear a healthy, invigorating, energising, and rehydrating choice. The fruits can be stored for 4 to 6 months after harvest. Store in a cool, clean place, protected from light, at a temperature of around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, sealed from outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C.

The pear tree is popular in gardens because of its fruit. Among the wide range of pear trees, it is easy to find a variety that suits.