Summer Franc Real

Origin/History

The origin of Summer Franc Real is unknown. It is described as a foreign variety. It has been known under numerous alternate names in historical literature, including Franc Real d'Été, Fondante, Gros Micet d'Été, Milan Blanc, Bergamotte d'Été ou Milan Blanc, Milan de la Beurriére, Beurré d'Été, Mouille Bouche, and Franc Réal d'Été.

Tree

(Elliott) Thrifty, hardy, and a good bearer. On pear roots, the tree rarely exceeds a quality rating of "good"; on quince rootstock it sometimes approaches "best." Other tree characteristics not described in sources.

Fruit

Size and Form

Medium in size. Sources agree on an obovate form. Downing describes the fruit as obovate but largest in the middle, tapering each way. Elliott describes it as obovate obtuse pyriform and dull green becoming yellowish green. Thomas describes it as medium, obovate, and slightly pyriform.

Skin

Pale yellowish green (Downing; Thomas gives yellowish-green), dotted with small brownish green dots (Downing, Elliott). Elliott notes the skin is dull green, becoming yellowish green as it ripens.

Stem

(Elliott) Short and thick.

Cavity

Not described in sources.

Calyx

(Elliott) Medium, with long segments and a furrowed basin.

Basin

(Elliott) Furrowed. See Calyx above.

Flesh and Flavor

Sources are in partial agreement. Downing describes the flesh as white, fine-grained, buttery, and sugary, rating it "Good." Elliott describes the flesh as white, buttery, juicy, and sweet, but notably states it is not fine-grained — in direct conflict with Downing's "fine-grained." Thomas describes the flesh as fine-grained, buttery, sweet, and pleasant, aligning with Downing on texture. Elliott adds juiciness as a specific characteristic not mentioned by the other sources.

Core and Seeds

(Elliott) Large core. Other seed details not described in sources.

Season

Ripe early in September (Downing, Thomas). Elliott gives September without further specification.

Uses

Not described in sources.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in sources.

Other

Not described in sources.