Pear Tree

Among the oldest trees in the Pleasaunce are the pear trees standing on the north side of the walled garden.



The pear trees, which are anything up to 100 years old, are of the variety known as Black Worcester, an ancient variety, dating from the time of Queen Elizabeth 1, according to the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale in Kent, who examined some of the fruit.

Tradition has it that during the visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Worcester in 1575 she saw a pear tree which had been planted in the Foregate in her honour. She was so pleased that she bade the city add the emblem of pears to its Coat of Arms and the variety became known as Black Worcester.



The fruit is a 'baking' pear; unlike normal pears, it never softens and should be cooked in an oven. There are several recipes available which involve baking the pears slowly, often with spices and wine added, served with cream.

A traditional Medieval baking pear recipe
Last Updated: 2nd-Jul-2007 01:23 Print
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