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Duchess pears are medium to large-sized fruits that have a globular, oval, bulbous, to ovate shape, depending on the individual variety and whether it is classified as a summer or winter pear. Summer Duchess pears have thin, light green to yellow skin with prominent lenticels, while Winter Duchess pears have smooth, yellow skin with light pink to red blushing. Underneath the skin, both types of pears have an aqueous, cream-colored to white, soft flesh. Duchess pears, when ripe, are highly aromatic with a sweet, honey-like taste mixed with subtle tangy notes.
Seasons/Availability
Duchess pears are available in the late summer through winter.
Current Facts
Duchess pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a very sweet and flavorful variety that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Native to the United Kingdom, Duchess pears are an easy-to-grow cultivar known for their juicy nature, large fruits, and vibrant flavor. There are two main types of Duchess pears defined by their harvesting times, labeled as summer and winter pears, and within these types, there are multiple varieties with varying flavors, sizes, and coloring. When found in markets, the pears may be labeled generally as Duchess, or they may be labeled by their specific variety name. Duchess pears are considered a versatile pear used as both a canning and dessert variety, and they are one of the more popular varieties found in European and Central Asian markets.
Nutritional Value
Duchess pears are a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help protect the immune system and fiber, which can help improve digestion. The pears also contain some vitamin A, calcium, iron, and other antioxidants to support overall health and repair of bodily tissues and organs.
Applications
Duchess pears are a multipurpose cultivar, suitable for both raw and cooked applications such as baking and simmering. Summer Duchess pears are showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand as a dessert variety, and the flesh can be sliced and mixed into fruit bowls, tossed into green salads, or sliced and topped over porridges, cereals, ice cream, and sorbet. The pears can also be blended into juices, carbonated beverages, and smoothies, or made into wine. Winter Duchess pears can be cooked into jams, jellies, and compotes, infused into syrups and honey, made into a compote, or baked into pies, tarts, and cobblers. They can also be used in salads, served with cooked meats, or incorporated into soups. Duchess pears pair well with fruits such as apples, grapes, plums, cranberries, and cherries, nuts such as walnuts and cashews, cheeses such as blue cheese, cheddar, and gorgonzola, and meats such as pork and poultry. The fresh pears will keep for two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Russia, Duchess pears are used in a popular carbonated beverage known as Duchess soda or lemonade. The drink was created in the 1930s as a part of a new line of carbonated beverages, and the sweet, slightly acidic drink is made out of sparkling water mixed with pear-infused syrup, lemon juice, and sugar. Duchess beverages are often sold in bottles through vendors across the major cities in Russia, and some locals believe the drink can help increase digestion. There are also Duchess pear hard candies that are flavored with the fruit. The candy’s wrappers are also patterned with pictures of the pear.
Geography/History
Duchess pears are native to the United Kingdom, where they were created by a well-known English breeder named D. Wheeler in the late 18th century. After its development, Duchess pears were distributed across Europe with the help of V. Williams and were featured at exhibitions to promote the new variety. Williams became highly associated with the pear, and one type was even named after him. Over time, pear cultivation also expanded into Asia, and today Duchess pears are grown throughout Europe, in regions of Central Asia, and across Russia. The Duchess pears pictured in the photograph above were discovered at the Green Market in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Supermarket Magnum
Almagul 18A, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Duchess pears of China imported to Kazakhstan….Duchess pears exhibit different skin characteristics based on their variety and harvest season. Summer Duchess pears possess thin, light green to yellow skin with noticeable lenticels, while Winter Duchess pears feature smooth, yellow skin with subtle pink to red blushes. Underneath, their flesh is soft, cream-colored to white, with an aqueous texture and a sweet honey-like flavor complemented by mild tangy undertones.
Supermarket Galmart
пр-т. Сейфуллина 617, Алматы 050013, Казахстан
Duchess pears of China imported to Kazakhstan….Duchess pears are highly versatile fruits, ideal for both raw and cooked dishes. Summer Duchess pears shine as dessert fruits, perfect for salads, porridges, and even smoothies. Winter Duchess pears excel in baked goods like pies and cobblers and can be transformed into jams or syrups. They complement apples, walnuts, blue cheeses, and pork dishes. Stored in the fridge, fresh Duchess pears last up to two weeks.
EcoFreshMarket
Kazakhfilm microdistrict, 5WV3+MM5, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Duchess pears of China imported to Kazakhstan….Duchess pears are a sweet and flavorful cultivar of Pyrus communis, originating in the United Kingdom and belonging to the Rosaceae family. They are categorized into summer and winter types based on harvesting, with multiple varieties within these categories. Highly versatile, they are popular for both canning and desserts and are widely found in European and Central Asian markets, appreciated for their large size, vibrant taste, and juiciness.
Supermarket "Magnum"
ул. Радостовца 292, Алматы 050060, Казакстан
Individually packed Duchess pears of China imported to Kazakhstan…Duchess pears are prized for their aromatic qualities and versatile taste profile. They can have a sweet, honey-like flavor with subtle tangy notes. Summer Duchess pears typically feature thin, green to yellow skin, while Winter Duchess pears display smooth yellow skin with a blush of pink to red. Beneath the skin, their soft, cream-colored flesh provides a delightful texture for various dishes or snacking.
Supermarket Magnum
Almagul microdistrict, 18 A, Almaly, Kazakhstan
Duchess pears imported from China…Duchess pears are highly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. Summer Duchess pears are excellent for desserts, fruit bowls, and salads, while Winter Duchess pears are ideal for jams, syrups, and baking pies or tarts. They complement fruits like grapes and cherries, cheeses such as blue cheese, and meats like pork. To keep them fresh, store the pears in the refrigerator, where they'll last up to two weeks.
Supermarket Magnum
Almagul microdistrict, 18 A, Almaly, Kazakhstan
Chinese duchess pears…Duchess pears were developed in the UK during the late 18th century by English breeder D. Wheeler. They gained popularity across Europe thanks to V. Williams, who was closely linked to their promotion and even had a pear variety named after him. Over time, their cultivation spread to Central Asia and Russia. Today, Duchess pears are grown widely in Europe and Asia, including places like Kazakhstan, where they can be found at markets.
Supermarket Magnum
Кульджинский тракт 106, Алматы 050008
Duchess pears of China…Duchess pears are a key ingredient in Russia's popular Duchess soda, created in the 1930s. This sweet drink combines sparkling water with pear-infused syrup, lemon juice, and sugar. The soda is widely sold in bottles across major cities, and some locals associate it with improved digestion. Additionally, Duchess pear-flavored hard candies feature wrappers adorned with images of the fruit, celebrating its unique taste and cultural popularity.
Galmart supermarket
улица Розыбакиева 247А, Алматы 050060
Duchess pears of China…Duchess pears, originally from the United Kingdom, are a sweet and flavorful variety of Pyrus communis. They are celebrated for their juicy texture, large size, and vibrant taste. With both summer and winter types, they are versatile for canning and as a dessert pear. Duchess pears are rich in vitamin C and fiber, along with smaller amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and iron, supporting immunity, digestion, and overall body health.
Supermarket Magnum
ул. Радостовца 292, Алматы 050060, Казахстан
Individually packed Duchess pears of China…Duchess pears are medium to large fruits with a shape that can range from globular to ovate, depending on the variety. Summer Duchess pears feature light green to yellow skin with prominent lenticels, while Winter Duchess pears display smooth yellow skin with hints of pink or red blush. Both types have cream-colored to white flesh that is soft and aromatic, offering a sweet, honey-like flavor with subtle tangy notes when ripe.
Supermarket Galmart
Dostyk Plaza, Самал-2 111, Алматы 050000
Duchess pears grown in China…Duchess pears originated in the United Kingdom during the late 18th century and were developed by English breeder D. Wheeler. Their distribution across Europe was aided by V. Williams, who became closely associated with the variety, even having another pear named after him. Cultivation has since expanded globally, and Duchess pears are now grown in regions across Europe, Central Asia, and Russia, including markets like those found in Kazakhstan.
is easiest, three is harder.
