Beurré Durondeau

‘Beurré Durondeau’, often known simply as ‘Durondeau’, is an old Belgian variety renowned for the distinctive and particularly expressive flavour of its fruit.

The pear is large to very large, broad, slightly elongated and often finely knobbled. Its thick skin is initially dark green, turning bronze yellow when ripe. It is extensively mottled with russet and may develop a carmine-red blush on the side exposed to the sun.

The white flesh is firm and slightly crisp at the beginning of ripeness, then becomes semi-melting and very juicy. Its flavour is richly sweet, pleasantly acidic, vinous and aromatic, sometimes with a slight astringency that gives it considerable character.

Harvest generally takes place during the second half of September and may continue into early October in cooler locations. The fruit then ripens gradually and is mainly eaten during October, with natural storage possible until early November.

The tree is moderately to strongly vigorous, highly fertile and regularly productive. It has very good compatibility with quince and is particularly suitable for compact and trained forms. However, the variety is highly susceptible to scab, especially on the shoots, so an open, sunny position sheltered from prevailing rain is preferable.