There is an old pear tree here on our property that looks to be more than a hundred years old. We have not found out the type of pears that grow so abundantly on it. At this time of year when you are outside nearby - you can suddenly hear giant thuds to the ground! Every time it happens - I turn my head suddenly wondering what large beast is tromping through the land. Then, I remember - oh, right - it’s the pears dropping from way up high. This year there are not too many pears on the tree as we had a very late frost locally and this did a lot of damage to the fruit tree crops in New England. It is the first time that I can remember it happening this broadly in a long time. I think the deer are disappointed as it is a favorite autumn place for them to come for easy snacking.

Of Pears and Provenance: A Tale of Heirloom Pears

In the quiet corners of orchards, where time itself seems to slow down, there exists a treasure from bygone eras, hidden in the embrace of gnarled branches and boughs laden with fruit. These are the heirloom pears, a symphony of history, flavor, and nostalgia that transport us to a simpler, more rustic time. Join us on a journey back to the orchards of yesteryear as we uncover the charm and allure of heirloom pears.

The Pear's Timeless Elegance

Heirloom pears, with their soft and curvaceous forms, seem to have been plucked right out of the pages of an old Victorian novel. Unlike their modern counterparts, heirloom pears bear the weight of history on their branches. Each bite tells a story, and each flavor carries with it a legacy that has been cultivated and preserved for generations.

A Taste of the Past

Let's talk about flavor. The heirloom pear, wrapped in its timeless elegance, surprises the palate with a complexity of tastes that you won't find in your average supermarket. These pears come in a variety of enchanting flavors, from the honeyed sweetness of the Seckel pear to the vibrant and tart tang of the Bartlett pear. You can taste the seasons in each bite, as the fruit reflects the care and craftsmanship that went into its cultivation.

History

The history of heirloom pears is a tapestry woven from the threads of time. Many of these pear varieties have been lovingly passed down through generations, from grandfather to father, from mother to daughter. The stories of orchards, laden with pears of all shapes and sizes, bear witness to the tenacity of traditions that have been upheld for centuries.

Time-Honored Varieties

The Bartlett Pear: Also known as the Williams pear, this British gem dates back to 1770. Its smooth texture and lush flavor make it a classic favorite.
The Comice Pear: Hailing from France in the mid-19th century, the Comice pear boasts a meltingly sweet, buttery flesh that is simply divine.
The Seckel Pear: America's smallest pear variety, Seckel pears were first discovered in the early 19th century. They are sweet, crisp, and wonderfully bite-sized.

The Pear's Renaissance

In an age of fast food and modern convenience, heirloom pears represent a renaissance of flavors long forgotten. The slow food movement, with its focus on local, sustainable, and traditional foods, has rekindled our appreciation for the past. In this movement, heirloom pears have found their place, and they're experiencing a revival in popularity.

Savoring the Heirloom Pear

If you're lucky enough to find heirloom pears, whether at a local farmer's market or in your own backyard, consider yourself part of a time-honored tradition. These pears are best enjoyed fresh, their flavors unraveled slowly with each succulent bite. They're also perfect for pies, jams, and preserves, bringing a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.

A Sweet Conclusion

In a world that rushes forward, there is comfort and wisdom in revisiting the past. Heirloom pears are a testament to the enduring allure of history and the power of tradition. They remind us that the past is not to be forgotten but to be savored, just like the sweet and storied pears themselves. So, take a step back in time, and relish the timeless elegance and flavors of heirloom pears – nature's enduring gift to our palates and our hearts.

Bringing heirloom fruit trees into our living ways, community ways, future food forest planning ways is an important step in coming into agreement with hope. The time for planting fruit trees will vary on your location of course. Here in my location early spring is the ideal time to plant. However, it is also possible to plant them in early autumn - you just need to be able to give them plenty of water. Think about the kinds of fruit trees you and your family might enjoy and try out those varieties.

Trees of Antiquity has pear trees of different varieties.

Comfort comes from having a fruit tree in your backyard or on your small homestead. Some communities also grow fruit in their gardens that is free for the picking. You might also want to ask a neighbor if you can have their drops if they look to be sitting untended. Always ask first as a polite courtesy to the grower.

Here's a short list of some of the best fruit tree growing books specifically tailored to the New England region:

"The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener" by Eliot Coleman - While not exclusively focused on fruit trees, this book provides valuable information on organic growing techniques that can be applied to fruit trees in the New England climate.
"The Holistic Orchard: Tree Fruits and Berries the Biological Way" by Michael Phillips - This comprehensive guide offers insights into managing fruit trees holistically, with a focus on pest and disease management in a New England context.
"Apples of New England: A User's Guide" by Russell Steven Powell - This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in apple varieties specifically suited to the New England region. It provides information on apple history, heritage varieties, and growing tips.
"The Pruning Book: Completely Revised and Updated" by Lee Reich - Pruning is a crucial aspect of fruit tree care. This book offers practical guidance on how to prune and care for fruit trees in New England's unique climate.
"The Backyard Orchardist: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in the Home Garden" by Stella Otto - While not region-specific, this book provides fundamental information on growing fruit trees that can be applied to the New England climate.

These books cover a range of topics, from organic growing methods to specific fruit varieties suited for New England, and should help you get started with successful fruit tree cultivation in the region.

Fedcoseeds is the fruit tree source for those us living in my community. They are a tried and trusted source of seeds and trees.

Orchard

H.D. (Hilda Doolittle)

1886 –1961

I saw the first pear
as it fell—
the honey-seeking, golden-banded,
the yellow swarm
was not more fleet than I,
(spare us from loveliness)
and I fell prostrate
crying:
you have flayed us
with your blossoms,
spare us the beauty
of fruit-trees.

The honey-seeking
paused not,
the air thundered their song,
and I alone was prostrate.

O rough-hewn
god of the orchard,
I bring you an offering—
do you, alone unbeautiful,
son of the god,
spare us from loveliness:

these fallen hazel-nuts,
stripped late of their green sheaths,
grapes, red-purple,
their berries
dripping with wine,
pomegranates already broken,
and shrunken figs
and quinces untouched,
I bring you as offering.