Pyrus communis Sœur Grégoire - Pear Tree

Pyrus communis 'Soeur Grégoire' is an old hardy variety of pear tree that produces a large oblong, knobby and plump fruit. Its skin is smooth, green turning yellow tinged with pink at ripeness. Its white to pink flesh is soft, very juicy, sweet and tart, delightfully aromatic and contains few or no seeds. Harvest takes place in November, the fruits can be consumed as soon as they are picked and can be stored until January. Pleasantly tart and rich in sugar, it is a delicious pear to enjoy on its own. When cooked, it is a variety that lends itself well to many sweet or savoury recipes. This Pear tree prefers a sunny exposure, in a well-draining, cool, deep, rich and non-calcareous soil. 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 tree) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since ancient times, it is native to forests in western Asia. In France, pear trees appeared in the 16th century, where during the reign of Louis XIV, several species were cultivated in the king's gardens. Over the centuries, a very large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe. The 'Soeur Grégoire' variety comes from a seedling and was obtained in 1858 by François Xavier Grégoire-Nelis in Jodoigne, Belgium.

The Pear tree 'Soeur Grégoire' is a tree with a fairly upright and pyramidal framework that can reach a height of 4 to 5 metres (13 to 16 feet), with weak branches producing many slightly arched twigs. Its habit is suitable for tall forms (on a standard), low forms (in a goblet shape), or trained forms (fan-trained). Its deciduous foliage consists of large leaves, 8 to 10cm (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. It is a hardy tree that can withstand temperatures around -25°C, and it is suitable for cultivation in all regions. The Pear tree is said to be self-sterile or self-incompatible, the flowers cannot fertilize themselves. That is why the presence of other pear varieties, in close proximity, whose flowering occurs at the same time, is necessary to cross-pollinate, and thus increase the number of fruits.

The 'Soeur Grégoire' Pear is a variety with a high yield and relatively quick fruiting. The fruiting, abundant and regular, extends throughout the month of November. The fruit can be consumed as soon as it is picked. It is large in size, oblong in shape, knobby and plump. Its skin is smooth, green turning yellow tinged with pink at ripeness. Its white to pink flesh is soft, very juicy, sweet and tart, delightfully aromatic and contains few or no seeds. The pear can be consumed both raw and cooked, in compotes, pastries and desserts, in fruit salads or composed salads, in combination with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, alongside ducks, white meats (poultry and lamb) or game. It is also perfect for making juices or fruits in syrup. 

Rich in water, the pear refreshes and quenches thirst. Very fleshy, it provides a feeling of satiety. Moderately caloric, it is rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant supply of iron. Its content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fibers makes the pear a health asset. It is invigorating, energizing, and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored until January if picked late. Storage can be done in a cool, clean place, protected from light at a temperature around 8 to 10°C or in a cold room, airtight from the outside air at a temperature of 1 to 3°C.

In the Pear Tree category, Pyrus domestica 'Soeur Grégoire' is a hardy variety, moderately vigorous and quite resistant to scab. Very popular, thanks to its fruits, the pear tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old alike. With a very wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits your desires.