Bezi Esperen
PearBezi Esperen
Origin/History
Bezi Esperen was raised (obtained) by Major Espéren of Mechlin, Belgium, around 1838. The variety is referenced in Mas, Le Verger 3:91, fig. 44 (1866–73), and in Leroy, Dict. Pom. 1:271, fig. (1867).
Tree
A moderate grower and good bearer. Young wood is olive brown. (Elliott concurs on moderate growth and good bearing habit.)
Fruit
Size and Form
Downing describes the fruit as large and roundish obtuse pyriform in form. Elliott similarly describes it as large and elongated pyriform. Hedrick gives medium to large, with form varying from long turbinate-obtuse-pyriform to obovate-pyriform, with a contorted outline — indicating considerable variability in shape.
Skin
The skin is dull yellow (Downing, Elliott), or greenish-yellow (Hedrick), sprinkled and patched with russet and thickly covered with russet dots (Downing, Elliott). Hedrick adds that the fruit is dotted all over with bright russet and occasionally washed with a deep tinge of red.
Stem
The stalk is rather long and stout, inserted by a ring or lip, at an inclination, in a small, irregular cavity.
Cavity
Small and irregular.
Calyx
Open. Elliott specifically notes it is small and open. Set in a deep, acute basin surrounded by russet (Downing, Elliott). Elliott describes the basin as very deep and acute.
Basin
Deep and acute (Downing); very deep and acute (Elliott); surrounded by russet.
Flesh and Flavor
Downing and Elliott describe the flesh as juicy, with a sprightly vinous flavor, rated Good. Hedrick provides a more detailed characterization: flesh white, buttery, melting, juicy, sugary, and perfumed — rated first quality.
Core/Seeds
Not described in source.
Season
October and November (Downing, Elliott). November and December (Hedrick). Hedrick notes that the fruit does not keep long.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 3 period pomological works
- Downing, Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)
- Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865) — listed as Bezy d'Esperen
- Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921) — listed as Besi Espéren
View original book sources (3)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Bezi Esperen.
Bezy d'Esperen. Besi Esperen.
Raised by Major Esperen. Tree a moderate grower and good bearer. Young wood olive brown.
Fruit large, roundish obtuse pyriform. Skin dull yellow, sprinkled and patched with russet, and thickly covered with russet dots. Stalk rather long, stout, inserted by a ring or lip, at an inclination, in a small, irregular cavity. Calyx open, set in a deep, acute basin, surrounded by russet. Flesh juicy, with a sprightly vinous flavor. Good. October, November.
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Besi Espéren.
i. Mas Le Verger 3:91, fig. 44. 1866-73. 2. Leroy Dict. Pom. 1:271, fig. 1867.
Obtained by Major Espéren, Mechlin, Bel., about 1838. Fruit medium to large; form varies from long turbinate-obtuse-pyriform to obovate-pyriform, with contorted outline, greenish-yellow, dotted all over with bright russet and occasionally washed with a deep tinge of red; flesh white, buttery, melting, juicy, sugary, perfumed; first, but does not keep long; Nov. and Dec.
— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)Bezy d'Esperen.
Foreign. Tree, a moderate grower ; good bearer. Fruit, large, elongated pyriform ; skin, dull yellow, sprinkled, and patched with russet, and thickly covered with russet dots ; stalk, rather long, stout, inserted by a ring or lip at an inclination, in a small, irregular cavity; calyx, small, open, set in a very deep, acute basin, surrounded by russet ; flesh, juicy, with a sprightly, vinous flavor. October, November.