The 'Delicious from Charneux' is one of the best-known old pear varieties in Central European gardens. Introducing how it got its name and how to grow and use it.
Pears are sweet and he althy, they contain less acid than apples and are therefore particularly digestible. If you intend to plant a pear tree in your own garden, you will always stumble across the 'Delicious from Charneux' when choosing a variety, which is also called 'Delicious from Charneux', 'Legipont' and in Northern Germany 'Bürgermeisterbirne'.
'Delicious of Charneux': Characteristics
| Synonyms | 'Delicious of Charneux', 'Legipont', 'Mayor Pear' |
| Fruit | Medium to large, greenish yellow base color with orange overtone |
| Flavour | Juicy, powerfully sweet, delicate aroma |
| Yield | High, regular |
| Harvest time | September to October |
| Maturity for pleasure | October |
| Shelf Life | Storage at 0 to -1 °C for approximately five months |
| Growth | Strong |
| Climate | Coast to medium altitude, not for frosty conditions |
| Diseases and Pests | Local for scab, minor for tanning and stone formation |
'Delicious from Charneux': origin and history
The 'Delicious Charneux' pear variety was born from a chance seedling that the Belgian fruit enthusiast M. Legipont had grown from a seed in his orchard in the early 19th century. He recognized the qualities of the tree and from 1828 the variety was further distributed by the gardener Wilhelm Walker. In 1922, the 'delicious from Charneux' even convinced the German fruit-growing society in Germany with its taste and he alth, so that it was declared an "imperial fruit variety". Nowadays the 'Mayor's Pear' is grown in the old country. Also in the home gardens of friends of old fruit varieties enjoysPear tree of great popularity.
Flavour and characteristics of the ‘Bürgermeisterpear’
The 'Bürgermeisterpear' is medium to large. On average, it reaches a weight of 150 grams. The pear-shaped fruit is broadly blunt on the calyx and conical on the stalk. Overall, however, the shape is variable, so that the sides of the fruit are often uneven, bumpy or angular. The calyx on the underside of the fruit is shallow, narrow to medium-sized, and is riddled with bumps, humps, and folds. In addition, the calyx pit is rusted like a net. The skin of the 'Bürgermeisterpear' is smooth, dry and medium firm.
While the base color is a dull yellow-green that only changes to a dull yellow when ripe, the top color is a mottled, washed-out or striped dull orange. The numerous brown spots on the shell are also typical. Rusting of the shell occurs only rarely. In warmer locations, the flesh of the 'Bürgermeisterbirne' is yellowish-white and soft with a buttery melting, strongly sweet and only slightly sour taste. It contains a delicately spicy, tasty aroma. In colder locations, the flesh is only semi-melting.
Special features of cultivation and care
The 'Delicious of Charneux' can be planted from the coast to medium altitudes. The old, robust variety tolerates a wide range of locations and climates, so that it is used for different purposes throughout Central Europe. Because the tree has a strong growth, it is often grafted on a rootstock.
Growth & Refining: As a seedling, the 'Delicious Charneux' has strong growth, the middle branch is particularly strong. The crown shape is narrow pyramidal. The refinement of the 'Bürgermeisterbirne' to inhibit growth is also possible - various rootstocks can be used for this. Only quince rootstocks achieve comparatively weak tree growth, but they are more sensitive to waterlogging and winter frost. Seedling rootstocks are suitable for using the 'Delicious from Charneux' as a stately tree, for example in a large garden or on an orchard. They are robust and frost-resistant. Quince rootstocks such as the recommended 'Quitte BA 29' ensure slow-growing trees that can be trained into small fruit trees that are easier to harvest. However, there is a risk that the quince and the pear will not grow together in a stable mannerand that the tree is less long-lived. Another alternative is the Pyrodwarf® rootstock, a low-growing pear rootstock that pears are compatible with, creating a stable and lasting bond.
Location: The 'Delicious Charneux' tolerates many locations. However, a sunny to half-shady place is suitable for good fruit formation. The soil should be rich and moist for good growth. Locations that are endangered by late frost and generally harsh regions are not suitable for this variety, as it is susceptible to wood frost and blossom frost.
Tip: The sunnier the location, the more the otherwise green-yellow pears develop red cheeks on the sunny side.
Flowering & Pollination: The white flowers of the 'Delicious from Charneux' appear from April to May and are moderately sensitive to frost. In order to achieve higher yields, the 'Delicious von Charneux' pear needs pollinating varieties such as 'Conference', 'Countess of Paris', 'Gute Luise' or 'Kaiser Alexander'. At the same time, the tree itself can serve as a pollinator for other pears.
Yield: The yield of the 'Bürgermeisterbirne' is rather high and regular, as long as it is not disturbed by severe late frosts or too radical pruning of the fruit tree.
Diseases and pests: Depending on the rootstock, the tree's susceptibility to diseases and pests varies. In general, the pear variety 'Delicious from Charneux' is considered to be robust and easy to care for, it is only susceptible to pear scab.
Pear variety ‘Delicious de Charneux’: harvest and use
The harvest time for the 'Delicious Charneux' is from September to mid-October. The 'Bürgermeisterbirne' reaches its taste peak in mid-October when the skin of the pear turns from yellow-green to yellow - at the latest then all the fruits can be harvested at once. If they are picked too late, they will quickly become overripe and the fruit will lose its juice.
As table pears, the large, sweet fruits can be eaten directly or processed. They are suitable for canning, for compote or for drying. Processing into juice or schnapps is also recommended. If harvested early, the 'Delicious from Charneux' can be stored at 0 to -1 °C for around five months.
Are youInterested in other old fruit varieties? Then have a look at our related article, which presents 30 old and tried and tested apple varieties.