Beurré Delfosse
PearBeurré Delfosse
Origin/History
Raised by M. Grégoire, of Belgium. Known under several alternate names in period literature, including Beurré Philippe Delfosse, Delfosse Bourgmestre, Delfosse, Philippe Delfosse, and Bourgmestre Delfosse. Listed as a foreign variety by Elliott (1865).
Tree
Both sources agree the tree is vigorous. Downing additionally notes it is productive. Young shoots very stout, rich warm yellow brown (Downing).
Fruit
Size and Form: The sources conflict. Downing describes the fruit as medium to large, obovate obtuse pyriform in form, sometimes only obovate. Elliott describes it as medium in size and roundish in shape.
Stem: Stalk curved, set in a small cavity (Downing).
Cavity: Small (Downing).
Calyx: Open (Downing).
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: The sources conflict on color. Downing describes the skin as greenish yellow, netted and patched with russet, with many russet dots. Elliott describes it as yellowish brown with a tinge of red in the sun.
Flesh and Flavor: Both sources agree the flesh is white, melting, and juicy. Downing adds that it is sweet and pleasant, rating the variety Good. Elliott further describes it as sugary and perfumed.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
The sources differ slightly. Downing gives October–November; Elliott gives November–December.
Uses
Not described in source.
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)Beurré Delfosse.
Beurré Philippe Delfosse. Delfosse Bourgmestre. Delfosse. Philippe Delfosse. Bourgmestre Delfosse.
Raised by M. Gregoire, of Belgium. Tree vigorous, productive. Young shoots very stout, rich warm yellow brown.
Fruit medium to large, obovate obtuse pyriform, sometimes only obovate, greenish yellow, netted and patched with russet, and many russet dots. Stalk curved, set in a small cavity. Calyx open. Flesh white, juicy, melting, sweet, pleasant. Good. October, November.
— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)Beurre Delfosse. Foreign. Tree, vigorous. Fruit, medium, roundish, yellowish brown, tinge of red in sun ; flesh, white, melting, juicy, sugary, perfumed. November, December.