Triomphe de Ronchin

‘Triomphe de Ronchin’ is an old local variety from northern France, traditionally associated with the town of Ronchin near Lille.

The fruit is large to exceptionally large and can reach an impressive weight when the tree carries a light crop. It is broadly pear-shaped, full-bodied and sometimes slightly irregular. Its skin remains green to greenish yellow and becomes extensively mottled with bronze to tawny russet as it ripens.

The pears should be picked before they are fully ripe, generally from late September to early October. Still firm at harvest, they continue to develop slowly in storage and reach eating maturity during December and January.

This long ripening period provides a local pear in the middle of winter, long after the harvest season has ended. ‘Triomphe de Ronchin’ is therefore of particular interest for heritage orchards, regional collections and enthusiasts wishing to preserve the fruit diversity of northern France.

The variety is now very rare and its growing characteristics remain incompletely documented. Observations by the CRRG indicate that susceptibility to scab may range from moderate to fairly high depending on the strain. Planting in an open, well-ventilated position and regular monitoring are therefore recommended.