| Conference Pear | |
|---|---|
 Conference pear | |
| Genus | Pyrus |
| Species | Pyrus communis |
| Cultivar | 'Conference' |
| Breeder | Thomas Rivers |
| Origin | Great Britain |
A Conference pear is a variety of pear. It is an autumn cultivar (cultivated variety) of the European pear (Pyrus communis). The variety was developed in Britain by Thomas Francis Rivers from his Rivers Nursery in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. Its name derives from the National British Pear Conference in London in 1885, where it won first prize. [1] [2]
A medium-sized pear with an elongated bottle shape, the Conference pear is similar in appearance to the 'Bosc pear'. A table pear, it is suitable for fresh-cut processing. [3] The fruit skin is thick greenish-brown, becoming pale yellow when ripe. The flesh is white, but turns pale yellow when the pear is ripe. The texture is very fine and soft, and the flavour is sweet. [4] The brown part of the skin is called russet or russetting; it is more or less apparent depending on weather conditions.
The Conference pear adapts to a variety of conditions, and is widely grown in Europe. It thrives on land that is sunny, rich and not too chalky. In France, the production areas of this variety are mostly in the north (Loire, North Picardy) and the Alps (Savoie and the little Southern Alps). It is grown commercially in many areas of the United Kingdom. [1]
Production will be enhanced by the nearby presence of pollinating varieties such as the Williams pear. It is a particularly resistant fruit, especially against scab. The Conference pear can be eaten until January if kept cool in a refrigerator or cellar ventilated.
There is strong sales competition in Europe from neighbouring countries (in order: Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Italy). The flavour of Conference pears grown in Savoie, was recognized in 1996 by a PGI (a Protected Geographical Indication) in the European Union, and 2012 it was the only PGI obtained by a pear in France.
Some mutants of the Conference pear are grown commercially as club varieties. These include:
Pears are fruits produced and consumed around the world, growing on a tree and harvested in late summer into mid-autumn. The pear tree and shrub are a species of genus Pyrus, in the family Rosaceae, bearing the pomaceous fruit of the same name. Several species of pears are valued for their edible fruit and juices, while others are cultivated as trees.
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Perry or pear cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears, traditionally in England, parts of South Wales, France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There is growing interest in artisanal perry production in the fruit-growing regions of the northwest United States.
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Taylor's gold is a pear variety thought to be a mutant of the pear Doyenné du Comice. It has a russeted cinnamon coloured skin and a juicy aromatic flavour. It was discovered in New Zealand in 1986.
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Russeting or russetting is an abnormality of fruit skin which manifests in russet-colored (brownish) patches that are rougher than healthy skin. It is a common feature in apples and pears. Russeting is typically an undesirable trait, which reduces the storage life of fruits and makes their appearance unattractive to consumers, although some cultivars, so-called russet apples, are appreciated for the feature.
The Doyenné du Comice is a French pear variety first cultivated in the 19th century.
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