Charles Ernest

‘Charles Ernest’ is an old French variety raised in Troyes by nurseryman Ernest Baltet and introduced in the late 19th century.

The pear is large to very large, short, broad and generally pear-shaped or turbinate. Its surface may be slightly knobbly. The skin turns lemon yellow to golden yellow when ripe, sometimes with a pink or carmine-red blush on the side well exposed to the sun.

The white flesh is fine, melting and moderately juicy. Its flavour is mild, richly sweet and of good quality, with a light aroma that develops as the fruit ripens after picking.

Harvest generally takes place during the second half of September, before the fruit is fully ripe. The pears then continue to develop in storage and are mainly eaten from November to December.

The tree is moderately vigorous and fertile, forming a compact, pyramidal crown with short, upright shoots. Its good compatibility with quince makes it suitable for compact or trained forms, although it also performs well in more natural forms. Self-sterile and diploid, it must be planted with another compatible variety flowering at the same time.