Portingall

Pear

Portingall

Origin/History

The Portingall pear is documented in Parkinson (1629) as "a great peare, but more goodly in shew then good indeed," indicating it was known by the early 17th century and recognized primarily for its appearance rather than its culinary qualities.

Tree

Not described in source.

Fruit

Size: large ("great"). Appearance: attractive in show. Quality: inferior in flavor or eating quality; the historical characterization notes it is "more goodly in shew then good indeed," suggesting the fruit's visual appeal exceeds its palatability.

Season

Not described in source.

Uses

The source characterization implies ornamental or display value; the variety appears to have been valued for its appearance rather than for eating.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)

View original book sources (1)

Portingall.

Parkinson Par. Ter. 592. 1629.

"The Portingall peare is a great peare, but more goodly in shew then good indeed."

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