Pyrus communis Jeanne d’Arc - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis Jeanne d'Arc is an old French variety, hardy, vigorous, with a semi-erect habit. It produces a medium to large-sized fruit, obtuse pear-shaped, with a slightly bumpy surface. Its skin is somewhat rough, fairly thick, light green, then slightly yellowish with a pinkish tint on the sun-exposed side at ripeness, dotted with grey all over. Its white flesh is moderately fine, melting, juicy, sweet, tart, and delicately fragrant, sometimes granular at the core. 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 tart 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 savoury recipes. This Pear tree prefers a sunny exposure, in well-draining, cool, deep, rich, and non-calcareous soil. It is a partially self-fertile variety, which 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 antiquity, 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. The Jeanne d'Arc variety was obtained by M.A. Sannier in Rouen in 1885, then commercialised in 1893.

The Pear tree Jeanne d'Arc is a tree with a semi-erect frame that can reach 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) in height, producing numerous slightly arched branches. Its habit is suitable for tall forms (on a trunk) or low forms (bush) or espalier forms (fan-shaped). 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 3cm (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 tolerates temperatures around -25°C (-13°F), it is suitable for cultivation in most regions. This Pear tree is self-sterile or self-incompatible, the flowers cannot self-fertilise. That is why the presence of other pear varieties in close proximity, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary. Conference, Doyenné du Comice, Beurré Hardy, General Leclerc, Jules Guyot, Louise Bonne, Passe-Crassane, Williams, and William Rouge varieties are suitable for cross-pollination, thus increasing the number of fruits.

The Pear tree Jeanne d'Arc is a high-yielding variety, with fairly rapid fruiting. The fruiting, abundant and regular, starts from late September and continues until mid-October. The fruits can be consumed as soon as they are harvested, as they ripen. It is a pear of medium to large size, obtuse pear-shaped, with a slightly bumpy surface. Its skin is somewhat rough, fairly thick, light green, then slightly yellowish with a pinkish tint on the sun-exposed side at ripeness, dotted with grey all over. Its white flesh is moderately fine, melting, juicy, sweet, tart, and delicately fragrant, sometimes granular at the core. The pear can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries, desserts, fruit or mixed salads, in combination with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, alongside duck, white meats (poultry and lamb), or game. It is also perfect for making juice or fruit syrups.

Rich in water, the pear refreshes and quenches thirst. Very fleshy, it provides great satiety. Moderately calorific, it is rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant iron content. Its content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fibres makes the pear a health asset. It is invigorating, energising, 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 (46.4 to 50°F) or in a cold room, airtight to the outside air, at a temperature of 1 to 3°C (33.8 to 37.4°F).

In the Pear Trees category, Pyrus domestica Jeanne d'Arc is a hardy and vigorous variety, quite resistant to scab. Easy to grow, it likes moist and deep soils, but it dislikes overly filtering and alkaline soils. To obtain fruits of good quality, 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.