Duc Alfred de Croy
PearDuc Alfred de Croy (Pear)
Origin / History
Propagated and disseminated by M. de Jonghe of Brussels. The variety is documented in Mas, Pom. Gen. 5:163, fig. 370 (1880) and Hogg, Fruit Man. 567 (1884). Downing's description is drawn from Hogg.
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size and Form: Large, obtuse-pyriform in shape. Regular and handsome in outline (Hedrick).
Stem: Fleshy at the base, set without depression (Downing).
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Open (Downing).
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Smooth. Ground color greenish yellow (Downing) / yellowish-green (Hedrick). Downing describes a thin crust of brown russet spread over the surface — a detail not mentioned by Hedrick. On the side exposed to the sun the skin is tinged or washed with pale brown (both sources agree).
Flesh and Flavor: Flesh color is described differently by the two sources: Downing gives it as yellowish, while Hedrick describes it as white, tinted with green. Both sources agree it is not very juicy but distinctly buttery and rich, with a fine spicy flavor. Hedrick additionally notes a pleasing perfume and rates the variety excellent.
Core / Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
November (both sources). Downing extends the season through December.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes / Variants
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)Duc Alfred de Cruy.
Fruit large, obtuse pyriform. Skin smooth, greenish yellow, with a thin crust of brown russet over the surface; on the side next the sun it is tinged with pale brown. Stalk fleshy at base, set without depression. Calyx open. Flesh yellowish, not very juicy, buttery, rich, spicy. November, December. (Hogg.)
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Duc Alfred de Croy.
- Mas Pom. Gen. 5:163, fig. 370. 1880.
- Hogg Fruit Man. 567. 1884.
Propagated and disseminated by M. de Jonghe, Brussels.
Fruit large, obtuse-pyriform, regular and handsome, smooth, yellowish-green, washed with pale brown on side next the sun; flesh white, tinted with green, not very juicy, but buttery, rich and with a fine spicy flavor and perfume; excellent; Nov.