Black Worcester pear facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 'Black Worcester' Pear |
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'Worcester Black' Pears at Westbury Court Garden. The dull, purple-like skin gives the fruit a black appearance and hence the name
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| Genus | Pyrus |
| Species | Pyrus communis |
| Cultivar | 'Black Worcester' |
The Black Worcester pear is a special type of pear (Pyrus communis). It is also known as Parkinson's Warden or the Worcester Black Pear. This pear might have been brought to the UK by the Romans. It has also been used in heraldry (symbols and coats of arms) around the city of Worcester. This dark-colored fruit is mostly used for cooking.
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History of the Black Worcester Pear
This pear may have arrived in the UK with the Romans. It was first mentioned in the 13th century at Wardon Abbey in Bedfordshire. Monks at the Abbey were growing 'Black Worcester' pears as early as 1388.
Because the fruit could be stored for a long time, it was an important part of the winter diet. This was especially true before root vegetables became common. The fruit is larger than average. Its flesh is hard and coarse, but it tastes excellent when cooked. It may also have been used to make perry, which is a drink similar to cider but made from pears.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Worcestershire County Council started a program called 'Fruit Trees for Worcestershire'. They planted hundreds of young black pear trees. The RHS officially recognizes the name of this pear variety.
The Black Pear in Heraldry
Pears were part of the food supply for soldiers at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Soldiers from Worcestershire carried flags that showed a pear tree full of fruit. A poem about the battle by Michael Drayton mentions "Wor’ster a pear tree laden with its fruit."
When Queen Elizabeth I visited Worcester in August 1575, the city moved a black pear tree full of fruit to honor her. The Queen was so impressed that she added a special symbol to the city's coat of arms. This symbol was a "canton" (a small square) with "three pears sable" (three black pears).
Until 1956, the Worcestershire Yeomanry Cavalry used an image of pear blossom (the flowers) for their badges. Today, the black pear is still used on the badges of the County Council and the County Cricket Club.
Specific types of pears are not often mentioned in heraldry. However, "Warden pears" are sometimes used as "canting arms" for families named Warden. Pears also appear in the arms of families named Parincheff and Periton.
What is a Warden Pear?
The name 'Warden pear' can refer to several types of pears that do not truly ripen on their own. This means they must be cooked to be eaten. These pears were used to make "Warden pies." For example, in Shakespeare's play The Winter's Tale, a character says, "I must have Saffron to colour the Warden Pies."
A recipe from the 15th century for "Quyncis or Wardouns in past" (quinces or wardens in pastry) also mentions these pears. The Black Worcester pear is also known as 'Parkinson's Warden'.
Description of the Fruit
The fruits of the Black Worcester pear can be up to 78 millimeters (about 3 inches) wide and 85 millimeters long. They can weigh as much as 260 grams (about 9 ounces).
The skin is a dark mahogany color. It has reddish-brown freckles and small rough areas. The flesh inside is a pale yellow or cream color, with a green tint just under the skin.
These pears should be picked in October or early November. At this time, they are crisp, hard, and gritty. They can then be stored until April without needing refrigeration. This was very valuable in the past, as it meant soldiers could carry them on long journeys. The pears are also sharp and bitter until they are cooked. There are many old recipes that use black pears.
The trees are good at resisting diseases. They also have some resistance to Scab, a common plant disease.
