Christmas
PearChristmas Pear
Origin/History
Originated in Cincinnati, Ohio; described as American and "new" in 1859. The description derives from Warder's notes, as cited by Elliott (1865). Hedrick (1921) reproduces the variety from Elliott's record. Also known in period literature as Noel.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium; ovate-rounded.
Stem: Stout, set in a slight depression.
Cavity: Not described in source. (Elliott notes only a slight depression at the stem.)
Calyx: Small.
Basin: Shallow.
Skin: Rough, bronzed, russety.
Flesh/Flavor: A little gritty, juicy, sweet. Rated "very good."
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
December and January.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Hedrick's 1921 citation reads: Elliott Fr. Book. 371. 1859. The Hedrick entry is a condensed restatement of Elliott's original description; no independently observed characteristics are added. Elliott attributes the description to Warder's notes.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Christmas.
- Elliott Fr. Book. 371. 1859.
Originated in Cincinnati, O., and described as "new" in 1859. Fruit medium, ovate-rounded, rough, bronzed, russety; flesh a little gritty, juicy, sweet; very good; Dec. and Jan.
— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)Christmas. Noel. American. New; from Cincinnati, Ohio. Fruit, medium, ovate rounded; skin, rough, bronzed, russety; stem, stout, slight depression; calyx, small; basin, shallow; flesh, a little gritty, juicy, sweet; "very good." December, January. (Warders Notes.)