Angélique de Bordeaux
PearAngélique de Bordeaux
Origin / History
The origin of this pear is ancient and uncertain. Henri Manger believed it identical with the pear Liceriana or Liciniana mentioned by Pliny, which bore the name of Licinius, the Roman tribune and consul. In 1690 Jean Merlet described a pear under the name Angelique which appears to be the same variety, noting it was much esteemed in Languedoc under the name Saint-Martial. M. Leroy considered it likely that the variety originated in Languedoc, Gironde, France. Switser considered it was introduced into England about 1708, where it was grown for upwards of 100 years under the name Saint Martial. It does not appear when it was first brought to America. (Hedrick.) Downing describes it simply as a variety from France.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size: The sources disagree. Downing (citing Hogg) calls the fruit medium; Hedrick describes it as above medium to large.
Form: Obtuse-pyriform (both sources agree). Hedrick adds that the outline is uneven.
Stem: Fleshy at the point of insertion. (Downing/Hogg.)
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Small. (Downing/Hogg.) Not mentioned by Hedrick.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: The sources give differing color descriptions. Hedrick describes the skin as glossy green, changing as it ripens to pale yellow or greenish-yellow, the whole surface strewed with brown dots and a few patches of russet. Downing (citing Hogg) describes the skin as yellowish green in the shade and brownish red in the sun, with brown dots; no russet patches are mentioned.
Flesh and Flavor: The sources disagree on texture. Downing (citing Hogg) describes the flesh as tender, juicy, buttery, and melting. Hedrick describes it as whitish, semi-fine, sweet and sugary, breaking, and agreeable, but not rich in perfume.
Core / Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
January to April. (Both sources agree.)
Uses
Second quality for dessert and cooking. (Hedrick.)
Subtypes / Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Downing's description of this variety is attributed to Hogg. Hedrick cites the following primary references: Duhamel, Traité des Arbres Fruitiers 2:214, Pl. XLVII, fig. 5 (1768); Lindley, Guide to the Orchard and Kitchen Garden 391 (1831); Leroy, Dictionnaire de Pomologie 1:133, figs. (1867); Prince, Pomological Manual 1:79 (1831).
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Angelique de Bordeaux.
Gros Franc Beal d'Hiver. St. Martial. Cristalline. Molle Bouche d'Hiver.
A variety from France. Fruit medium, obtuse pyriform. Skin yellowish green in the shade, brownish red in the sun, with brown dots. Stalk fleshy at insertion. Calyx small. Flesh tender, juicy, buttery, melting. January to April. (Hogg.)
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Angélique de Bordeaux. 1. Duhamel Trait. Arb. Fr. 2:214, Pl. XLVII, fig. 5. 1768. 2. Lindley Guide Orch. Gard. 391. 1831. 3. Leroy Dict. Pom. 1:133, figs. 1867. St. Martial. 4. Prince Pom. Man. 1:79. 1831.
Henri Manger thought this pear identical with the pear Liceriana or Liciniana of which Pliny spoke and which bears the name of Licinius, the Roman tribune and consul. In 1690 Jean Merlet described a pear under the name Angelique which appears to be the same, and said it was much esteemed in Languedoc under the name Saint-Martial. It remains that its origin is ancient and uncertain, though it seems quite likely, as M. Leroy thought, that it originated in Languedoc, Gironde, Fr. Switser considered it was introduced into England about 1708. For upwards of 100 years it was grown there under the name Saint Martial. It does not appear when it was first brought to this country. Fruit above medium to large, obtuse-pyriform, uneven in outline, glossy green changing as it ripens to pale yellow or greenish-yellow, the whole strewed with brown dots and a few patches of russet; flesh whitish, semi-fine, sweet and sugary, breaking, agreeable, not rich in perfume; second for dessert and cooking; Jan. to Apr.