Abate Fetel

‘Abate Fetel’, originally named ‘Abbé Fétel’, is an old French variety that has become particularly renowned in Italy, especially in the orchards of Emilia-Romagna.

The pear is large to very large and immediately recognisable by its extremely elongated, narrow and often slightly curved shape, reminiscent of a gourd. Its skin is initially pale green, turning greenish yellow to golden yellow when ripe. It is extensively dotted or mottled with russet, particularly around the stalk and eye, and may develop a light blush on the side exposed to the sun.

The white to creamy-white flesh is fine, tender and very juicy. Its flavour is mild, richly sweet and only slightly acidic, with a delicate fruity aroma. It is particularly enjoyable while still slightly firm, before the flesh becomes overly soft.

Harvest generally takes place during the second half of September and may continue into early October in cooler regions. The fruit continues to ripen after picking and has good storage qualities, keeping for several months under suitable cold-storage conditions.

The tree has moderate to weak vigour, is well branched and has a fairly upright habit. It can be relatively slow to begin cropping, and yields may sometimes be irregular or biennial. The variety has moderate to good compatibility with quince. It is only slightly susceptible to scab, but susceptible to fire blight. Self-sterile and diploid, it must be planted with another compatible variety flowering at the same time.