Portail

Pear

Portail (Pear)

Origin/History

Discovered in the old province of Poitou, France. Origin otherwise unknown. Held in high esteem in its native province. Referenced in Miller Card. Dict. (1807) and Christ Handb. (1817).

Tree

Not described in source.

Fruit

Form: longer than it is round.

Color: greenish.

Flesh: yellowish, dry, gritty, and hard in typical conditions. In very favorable seasons and upon very good soil, the flesh may be tender and possess an unforgettable musky aroma.

Season

January to March.

Uses

Bakes well.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)

View original book sources (1)

Portail.

Miller Card. Diet. 3. 1807. 2. Christ Handb. 503. 1817.

Origin unknown beyond the fact that it was discovered in the old province of Poitou, Fr., and was held in high esteem there. Fruit "longer than it is round," greenish: flesh yellowish, dry, gritty and hard unless in very favorable seasons and upon very good soil, but may at times be tender and have an unforgetable musky aroma; it bakes well; Jan. to Mar.

— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)