March Bergamot
PearMarch Bergamot Pear
Origin/History
Raised by T. A. Knight, President of the Horticultural Society of London (Hedrick). Referenced by Downing (1869) and Hogg (1884). The Herefordshire Pomona notes that the variety was named for its resemblance in form to the Autumn Bergamot and for its ripening chiefly in March, though it may be preserved later.
Tree
Not described in source. The Herefordshire Pomona observes that this variety and the Pengethley Pear would probably be greatly improved if grown upon a wall.
Fruit
Size: Small or medium (Hedrick); middle sized (Herefordshire Pomona).
Form: Globular (Hedrick); in form and appearance resembling the Autumn Bergamot (Herefordshire Pomona).
Stem, Cavity, Calyx, Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Green or yellowish-brown, partially covered with russet (Hedrick).
Flesh/Flavor: Yellowish-white, buttery, slightly gritty at the core, but very rich (Hedrick). Buttery, a little gritty near the core, rich and excellent (Herefordshire Pomona).
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
Ripens in March; may be kept or preserved later (both sources).
Uses
In Europe a dessert pear of high merit; in America, however, it seems to be of small worth (Hedrick).
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— Woolhope Naturalists Field Club, The Herefordshire Pomona (1885)March Bergamot Pear.
Fruit middle sized, in form and appearance resembling the Autumn Bergamot. Flesh buttery, a little gritty near the core, rich and excellent. Season March or later.
Note.—Owing to its resemblance in form to the Autumn Bergamot, and its ripening chiefly in March (though it may be preserved later,) I have named this sort the March Bergamot. This variety and the Pengethley Pear would probably be greatly improved if grown upon a wall.
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)March Bergamot.
- Downing Fr. Trees Am. 811. 1869. 2. Hogg Fruit Man. 611. 1884.
Raised by T. A. Knight, President of the Horticultural Society of London. Fruit small or medium, globular, green or yellowish-brown, partially covered with russet; flesh yellowish-white, buttery, slightly gritty at the core, but very rich; in Europe it is a dessert pear of high merit; in this country, however, it seems to be of small worth; Mar. and will keep later.