Audibert
PearOrigin/History
An old French pear raised in the Department of Bouches-des-Rhône, France, prior to 1814. Referenced by Leroy (Dict. Pom. 1:163, fig., 1867) and Prince (Pom. Man. 1:119, 1831).
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size/Form: The sources conflict on size: Downing describes the fruit as large; Hedrick gives it as medium. Both agree on the general shape — oblong-obovate-pyriform (Hedrick), described by Downing as obovate obtuse pyriform.
Stem: Not described in source.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Not described in source.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: The sources partially conflict on color. Downing describes the skin as pale yellow, turning orange on the sun-exposed side. Hedrick describes it as greenish-yellow, extensively dotted with fawn, washed with tender rose on the side next the sun, and often bearing small brownish stains on the shaded side.
Flesh/Flavor: The sources conflict substantially on flesh character. Downing describes the flesh as white, breaking, and granulated, with an acidulous flavor. Hedrick describes the flesh as very white, fine, juicy, and melting — with a sugary, vinous, slightly acid flavor, but wanting in perfume. The "breaking and granulated" texture (Downing) is directly at odds with "melting" (Hedrick).
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
November (Downing).
Uses
Good for stewing only (Downing). Hedrick rates it third-class as a dessert fruit but first-class for kitchen use — consistent with Downing's assessment of its culinary rather than eating quality.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Audibert.
Belle Audibert.
Fruit large, obovate obtuse pyriform, pale yellow, orange in sun. Flesh white, breaking, granulated, acidulous. Good for stewing only. November.
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Audibert.
- Leroy Dict. Pom. 1:163, fig. 1867. Belle Audibert.
- Prince Pom. Man. 1:119. 1831.
An old French pear raised in the Department of Bouches-des-Rhone, Fr., previous to the year 1814. Fruit medium, oblong-obovate-pyriform, greenish-yellow, extensively dotted with fawn, washed with tender rose on the side next the sun and often bearing some small brownish stains on the shaded side; flesh very white, fine, juicy, melting, sugary, vinous, slightly acid, wanting in perfume; third as a fruit for dessert but first for the kitchen.