Le Lectier Pears
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Le Lectier pears are a medium to large variety, averaging 250 to 400 grams in weight, and have a bulbous, pyriform shape. The fruits often have a lumpy appearance with a plump, curved base tapering to a slender, short neck. The skin is semi-thick, taut, and smooth, ripening from green to bright yellow. The skin also features tiny black-brown spots scattered across the surface. Underneath the skin, the ivory to cream-colored flesh is aqueous, fine-grained, and soft with a succulent, tender consistency when ripe. The flesh also encases a central core filled with a few black-brown seeds. Le Lectier pears emit a mellow, sweet aroma and are known for their sugar content mixed with some acidity. Ripe fruits have a rich, sweet, and subtly tangy taste.
Seasons/Availability
Le Lectier pears are harvested in the fall, typically between late October and November. Once picked, the fruits ripen for 30 to 40 days before being sold in commercial markets in November and December.
Current Facts
Le Lectier pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are a French variety belonging to the Rosaceae family. The cultivar was developed in the late 19th century and was selected as a commercial cultivar for its sweet flavor and melting, juicy flesh. Though Le Lectier pears were created in France, they acquired the most success as a cultivar in Japan, beginning in the early 20th century. Le Lectier pears are still grown in Japan and are a seasonal delicacy in the present day. The variety is only produced in small quantities due to its challenging cultivation and long ripening requirements. Le Lectier pears are harvested while still green and unripe, and when they are in this stage, they can be easily transported. Once ripe, the pears are delicate and degrade quickly, making them a fleeting variety only found for a few weeks each year. Le Lectier pears are sought by chefs and consumers for their versatility and ability to be eaten raw or fresh.
Nutritional Value
Le Lectier pears have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Like other varieties of European pears, the fruits may be a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and vitamins C and E to strengthen the immune system and guard the cells against free radical damage. Pears also provide minerals such as calcium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper. Calcium and phosphorus support bone and teeth development, while manganese aids the body in metabolizing various fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Potassium balances fluid levels, iron develops the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, zinc assists in tissue development, and copper contributes to energy production.
Applications
Le Lectier pears have a mild and sweet flavor suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is primarily eaten out of hand when ripe and is enjoyed sliced like an apple. Le Lectier pears can be served on cheese boards as a fresh accompaniment or added to green and fruit salads. They can also be used as a topping on desserts or blended into juice as a beverage. In Japan, Le Lectier pears are often chilled before they are served or half frozen and eaten like a sorbet. In addition to raw preparations, Le Lectier pears can be cooked and simmered into jams, jellies, and compotes. They are also incorporated into desserts like crumbles, tarts, cakes, galettes, and clafoutis, or poached in wine. Beyond sweet recipes, Le Lectier pears can be stir-fried with seafood dishes, cooked and eaten with rice, or deep-fried and served with dashi. Le Lectier pears complement spices such as cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, and cloves, fruits like oranges, berries, and apples, and herbs including mint, rosemary, lavender, and thyme. Whole, unwashed Le Lectier pears should be ripened at room temperature. Once mature, the fruit should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor. They can also be wrapped in newspaper and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Le Lectier pears were named in honor of Pierre Le Lectier, a French horticulturist who resided in the Saint-Marceau district of the city of Orléans. Le Lectier is most famously known for planting over 468 fruit trees between 1598 and 1628. His collection is said to have included 258 pear trees, 72 plum trees, 69 apple trees, 27 peach trees, and several fig, orange, cherry, and other fruit trees. During this time, pears were one of the most popular fruits of the nobility, and they were especially loved by French kings. Ripe European pears were easy to eat and could be enjoyed by consumers with little to no teeth, unlike other fruits that require teeth to effectively chew. Pierre Le Lectier is considered the first nurseryman in France and was allegedly responsible for the country's first nursery catalog. He also served as King Louis XIII's prosecutor, a position similar to being an attorney in modern-day society.
Geography/History
Le Lectier pears are native to France and were developed in the late 19th century. The variety was created by horticulturist Auguste Lesueur in Orléans, France, sometime in the 1880s. The variety's parentage is unknown, but some sources speculate that William’s Seed may have been pollinated by Bergamotte Fortuné. The best fruits from the natural pollination cross were later selected and used to produce the Le Lectier pears by the Tronson Frêre company. After their commercial release, Le Lectier pears were grown throughout France but were notoriously difficult to cultivate. In 1903, horticulturist Mr. Koike Sokichi from Japan imported Le Lectier seedlings from France and planted them in the Niigata Prefecture. Mr. Koike Sokichi appreciated the variety for its texture and flavor. Despite the initial excitement around the variety in Japan, growers struggled with disease and other cultivation challenges, leading the variety to be dropped and ignored for several years. Cultivation techniques eventually improved, and Japanese growers returned to Le Lectier pears, producing favorable fruits. Today, Le Lectier fruits are a rare variety produced in small commercial quantities in Japan. The variety is also grown in select home gardens in North America, Asia, and Europe, mainly in France. In Japan, Le Lectier pears are primarily grown in the Niigata Prefecture. They are also cultivated in the Yamagata, Nagano, Fukushima, and Aomori Prefectures.
