Soldat Laboureur

‘Soldat Laboureur’ is an old Belgian variety raised in the early 19th century by Major Espéren in Mechelen. It is valued for its vigour, fertility and the excellent quality of its fruit.

The medium to large pear is pear-shaped, broad and sometimes slightly knobbly. Its smooth, fairly thick skin is initially pale green, turning golden yellow when ripe. It is dotted and mottled with russet, particularly around the stalk and eye.

The yellowish-white flesh is fine to moderately fine, melting and exceptionally juicy. Its flavour is richly sweet, pleasantly aromatic and slightly acidic, sometimes with a vinous note when the variety is grown in favourable soil and exposure.

Harvest takes place from late September through the first half of October. The fruit ripens slowly after picking and can be eaten from October to December, sometimes until January when kept in suitable cold-storage conditions.

The tree is vigorous and fertile, with strong wood. Its naturally upright branches make it suitable for forming attractive pyramids, while it also performs well as a standard tree and in trained forms. It grows successfully on both pear seedling and quince rootstocks and is only slightly susceptible to scab. Another variety flowering at the same time is nevertheless recommended to ensure abundant and regular crops.