Nouveau Poiteau Pears
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Nouveau Poiteau pears are medium to large in size, averaging 6-7 centimeters in diameter and 8-10 centimeters in length, and are oval to irregular in shape with a wide bottom that tapers to a small, somewhat pointed neck with a long green-brown stem. The smooth, firm, green skin turns a paler green when ripe and is covered in patches of golden brown russeting. The flesh is ivory to white with a light green border just underneath the skin and is moist, creamy, and fine-grained encasing a central core with a few, black-brown seeds. Nouveau Poiteau pears are aromatic and juicy with a melting consistency and have a sweet and mild flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Nouveau Poiteau pears are available in the fall.
Current Facts
Nouveau Poiteau pears, botanically classified as Pyrus communis, are large fruits that grow on a compact tree and are members of the Rosaceae family along with apples and peaches. Also known as Neue Poiteau in German, Patawinka in Polish, Noua Poiteau in Romanian, and Novaja Puato in Russian, Nouveau Poiteau pears are a popular European variety for home gardens that are favored for their heavy crop and resistance to disease. While not commercially cultivated on a wide scale, Nouveau Poiteau pears are most commonly consumed as a dessert pear and are used in fresh applications.
Nutritional Value
Nouveau Poiteau pears contain some potassium, calcium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Applications
Nouveau Poiteau pears are best suited for raw applications as they are primarily known as a dessert variety, consumed fresh, out-of-hand. They can be sliced in both green and fruit salads, paired with strong cheeses, nuts, and other fruit on cheese boards, or sliced over ice cream for a sweet dessert. They can also be canned in juice, simmered into a compote, or dried for a chewy snack. Nouveau Poiteau pears compliment cheeses such as brie, stilton, cheddar, and gorgonzola, honey, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, apples, cherries, figs, grapes, and dark chocolate. Nouveau Poiteau pears do not store well and will only keep for a couple weeks when stored in the refrigerator or for a couple days when stored at room temperature.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Nouveau Poiteau pears were named after the famous French pomologist Antoine Poiteau, who was also the director of the Royal Gardens in Paris. J.B. Van Mon, the original grower of the variety, allowed his son to name the variety and his son chose to name it after the pomologist as an homage to his successful fruit breeding career. During this time, there was another variety already named Poiteau, so the word nouveau, or new, was added to differentiate the two varieties.
Geography/History
Nouveau Poiteau pears were created by the well-known fruit breeder, J.B. Van Mons at Louvain, Belgium, in 1827. The tree first fruited in 1843 and was introduced to the European market in the early 1850s. Today Nouveau Poiteau pears are predominately found in home gardens, farmers markets, and through small orchards in Europe.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Nouveau Poiteau Pears. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Monika Hibbs |
|
Pear & Cinnamon Muffins |
| Chocolate and Zucchini |
|
Dried Pears |
| Food Done Light |
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Healthy Pear Pancetta Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites |
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