Sand Pear
PearSand Pear
Origin/History
Sand Pear is also known as the Chinese Sand Pear, indicating its Chinese origin. It is valued primarily as rootstock for other pear varieties, though it has culinary uses.
Tree
The tree is remarkably vigorous, with large, glossy leaves. Thomas notes that the Japan pear resembles the Sand Pear in character, but is a vigorous grower and abundant bearer — implying Sand Pear shares these tendencies to some degree.
Fruit
Size
Medium.
Form
Roundish pyriform.
Stem
Not described in source.
Cavity
Not described in source.
Calyx
Not described in source.
Basin
Not described in source.
Skin
Dull yellow, covered with a rough, sandy-like russet. Thomas confirms: yellow with rough russet.
Flesh/Flavor
Firm, moderately juicy. Cooks well and acquires a fine color. Valued only for cooking, not for eating out of hand.
Core/Seeds
Not described in source.
Season
September.
Uses
Valued mainly as rootstock. Also useful for cooking, in which application the flesh cooks well and takes on a fine color. Not considered desirable as a dessert fruit.
Subtypes/Variants
Thomas notes that the Japan pear closely resembles Sand Pear but ripens later and is described as a vigorous grower and abundant bearer, and is likewise fine for cooking.
Other
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)Sand Pear.
Chinese Sand Pear.
This variety is valued mainly for stock, although it is good for cooking. The tree is remarkably vigorous, with large glossy leaves.
The fruit is of medium size, roundish pyriform, dull yellow, covered with a rough, sandy-like russet. Flesh firm, moderately juicy, cooks well, and acquires a fine color. September.
— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)Sand Pear. Medium, roundish-pyriform, yellow, with rough russet. September. Only valuable for cooking. The Japan pear resembles the Sand, but ripens later, and is a vigorous grower and abundant bearer. Fine for cooking.