English Jargonelle

English Jargonelle

Origin/History

An old variety with a long history of cultivation, known by numerous synonyms throughout Europe and America, including Epargne, Sweet Summer, Grosse Cuisse Madame, Chandelle, Beau Présent, Chopine, Poire de tables des princes, Certeau Madame, Saint Sampson, Beurré de Paris, Saint Lambert, Espargne, Belle Verge, Reserve Pear, Sparbirne, Jargonelle de Knoop, Frauenschenkel, Sicile, Real Jargonelle, and Long Island Summer.

Tree

A strong grower with a rather straggling, pendent habit. Tree produces abundantly but fruit quality is variable from year to year.

Fruit

Form and Size: Pretty large, long pyriform shape, tapering gradually into the stalk.

Skin: Greenish yellow, smooth surface with a little brownish color on the sunny side.

Stem: Nearly two inches long, rather slender, curved, and obliquely set.

Calyx: Open, with quite long projecting segments.

Basin: Small and furrowed, sinking moderately into the fruit.

Flesh: Yellowish white, rather coarse-grained, juicy throughout.

Flavor: Sprightly and refreshing.

Season

August (early ripening summer pear).

Uses

Not described in source.

Quality and Storage

Decays at the core soon after maturity. Quality is best when gathered early; if allowed to remain on the tree until full maturity, quality declines. Rated "Good" when properly harvested at the right stage.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.