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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 4, 2006 17:56:52 GMT
thttp://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g278/4pygmies/pear/october004-4pspear320x240.jpgoo.......
I've had to reduce this image and now I can't get it to paste. I hate computers.
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 5, 2006 5:48:20 GMT
WHERE ARE ALL OUR PEAR EXPERTS?? Pleeease....
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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 5, 2006 8:07:39 GMT
we're probably baffled, 4P, that's where we've 'gone'. There are some pears that were developed for storage right though the winter for 'out of season' novelty in garden times gone by, so it's most likely one of those, and you've maybe not kept them long enough... could be it's a keeper though to March or April - have you kept them that long? Best shot - have a look at the link below and see if you recognise yours, or even better, The Apple Day at Gressenhall folk won't chuck you out - they're looking for "disappeared" Norfolk Orchard fruit under The East of England Apple Project. Then there's always Brogdale, of course... OM. www.deaconsnurseryfruits.co.uk/pears1medlarsquince/ |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 5, 2006 19:06:45 GMT
Thanks Moley. I looked at the link and the biggest pear they have is nothing like as big as my tree's. I shall have to store them for 12 years and see if anything happens! I'd love to go to the Gressenhall event. Have to see what's in my diary (actually nothing but hedge trimming, goat mucking out and child minding for the foreseeable future.....).
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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 5, 2006 19:50:58 GMT
hi 4P - I could have given you this as well, but maybe you have it - the Apple Project website www.applesandorchards.org.uk/. I shall go on the 22nd - I've got two trees here, one (probably a Bramley) in the open, but another the only survivor of the walled garden trees - and sod's law: no wall tag. Lots of other old tags on the wall, but no trees! I'd love a positive ID on the two though. So... if you can't go and it's feasable to get a sample to me somehow, I could take it for you. PM me if you want to progress. OM |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 6, 2006 5:54:52 GMT
Thanks, OM. I've had a trawl through those sites and thought my tree might have been a Black Worcester but having found a more thorough description I'm pretty sure it's not. BW pears are described as extremely large with pinkish flesh - mine appear to be even larger and have white flesh. Hmm, it's getting to me now and I'm on the trail. It's quite annoying trying to do research on the net though as I don't have time to look through 345,000 references!
Thanks for the offer re Gressenhall - I'd like to visit though - thoroughly enjoyed the day I spent there a while back. Might even see you there - I'll be the one with the humungous pears on a rusty trolley.
I meant to say previously - you lucky thing, with your lovely garden - what a fantastic place it looks. It must be fascinating to find out about all the plants previous gardeners have put in - a sense of continuity and history - what a privilege for you. Regards.
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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 6, 2006 10:16:09 GMT
Mmmm,4P, it is a bit like walking through someone else's life... all old places have history (and I've lived in older houses) but this is the first time the surroundings are more interesting than the house - which is why it was chosen.
The wall tags I've mentioned elsewhere are -
South facing: Clou Morceau, Alexander Noblesse, Thompson’s, Beurre Bachelier, Sea Eagle
West facing: Winter Nelis, Doyenne du Comice , Winter Nelis, Doyenne du Comice, Durondeau
North facing: none
East facing: Bigarreau, Bigarreau Napoleon, Black Heart, Frogmore Early Bigareau, White Heart
So, mainly cherries and pears, mainly forgotten varieties (which is why I found your pear so interesting, if you'll forgive the obvious pun) they're nailed there just as they were when the place was abandoned after the 1stWW, the potting shed still has it's elm bench... it's all very consuming...
OM.
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 7, 2006 7:20:29 GMT
I GIVE UP! I can't find a sensible site with decent pictures of pears that I can use to identify my tree. I shall have to go to Gressenhall. See you there maybe OM. I'll be the one with the enormous pears and the FATBAGS T shirt!
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 21, 2006 21:01:48 GMT
I don't know if you'll see this OM as it's quite an old thread now but just to say hope you have a good day at Gressenhall's Apple Day. I can't go as the b*******g car has not come home from the garage (major surgery needed) as promised so no transport. This is entirely typical - serves me right for making plans. I'm disappointed though - I was really looking forward to it....now I'll have to hedge trim.
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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 21, 2006 21:06:31 GMT
Well, that's a bugger 4P, but I'll take a screenshot of it plus your description and pick their assembled brains for you...
OM.
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 21, 2006 21:26:37 GMT
Ooh, that'll be immensely kind of you. Thanks OM!
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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 22, 2006 11:56:59 GMT
Well, 4P, I think you'll be quietly thrilled with this...
it's a Catillac pear, introduced in the 1600's from France and used in Elizabethan times as a roasting "vegetable". Nothing much changes, cos that's what it's still best for today;
Apple Project People say quarter or halve it (may need a machete) and core, peel or not, and arrange around a roasting joint. Adds to the gravy and takes on the character of whatever you're cooking and bulks out the meat content.
It will keep right through the winter until May, but won't probably become any softer or change into an 'eater' like some do.
OM.
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 22, 2006 12:37:41 GMT
I'd be noisily thrilled if it wasn't going to upset the dog! Well, thanks very much - how interesting! I think I'm off to do some research - what a shame DavidK doesn't post on this board anymore - he suggested that from the start. Thanks Moley - you're a star!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2006 16:19:43 GMT
Desperately........trying..........to...........resist...........oh, it's no good, I have to say it.
Can we see a picture of your enormous, firm pear in a FATBAGS t-shirt ? Preferably a damp one......
Stop it stop it stop it
Sorry
FA x ;D
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Oct 22, 2006 16:23:50 GMT
FA.....I knew it was only a matter of time..........  Prepare to be slapped for being naughty.......  S x |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 22, 2006 16:35:00 GMT
How VERY dare you....!?!
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Post by Spruance on Oct 22, 2006 16:35:39 GMT
Desperately........trying..........to...........resist...........oh, it's no good, I have to say it. Can we see a picture of your enormous, firm pear in a FATBAGS t-shirt ? Preferably a damp one...... Stop it stop it stop it Sorry FA x ;D Is this any good FA? ;D  <someone made me do it Rosefriend...Honest! smiley> ;D |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2006 16:38:33 GMT
Spruance
PMSL. That is absolutely the funniest thing I have ever seen on here.
4P - Sorry. I did try to resist. Honest. It was simply too good an opportunity for me to pass it up.
FA x
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Oct 22, 2006 16:40:54 GMT
PMSL.....nice one Spruance |
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Post by Spruance on Oct 22, 2006 16:48:34 GMT
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 22, 2006 16:49:22 GMT
Well, I've been sniggering gently to myself ever since I first posted this! You may like to know that I've been looking into my massive pears all day and have discovered that they are very hard for months but eventually go softer......so I picked one of mine, sliced em up and poached them in the oven for an hour and they went pink (wouldn't you?). Very nice with a crumble on top.
My pears are dated from 1665 and were roasted by the Elizabethans with Pork.....(control yourself FA)...and they are very good in preserves. And for your information my pears weighed in at 1lb 8 ozs each! I make that a 42D cup!!
Dream on FA.........
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2006 16:56:26 GMT
Large pear..........42D...........pork.......  Think I'll go and have a lie down. FA x |
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Oct 22, 2006 16:59:19 GMT
PMSL.........all over the house!!! That's the best laugh I've had in ages.......my side are aching!! One thing though 4P, aren't they a little mouldy  |
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Post by Chuckles on Oct 22, 2006 17:21:44 GMT
This is the only site I could find anything on the Catillac and it's probabaly what you already know www.chrisbowers.co.uk/pears-varieties.aspIt has caused a good laugh though, just what I needed on this rainy day |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 22, 2006 17:24:40 GMT
They are a special cooking pear and keep for months. If FA was storing them he'd be checking them every day - I've heard about people like him - "I'll just pop upstairs and check if my pears have gone soft yet, dear". Maybe they'd be in a specially darkened room with a lockable door.........
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Post by Susie Snowdrop on Oct 22, 2006 17:26:49 GMT
Have you thought about getting them out in the fresh air 4P . I'm sure FA would delight in this!! |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 22, 2006 18:08:20 GMT
I've now got this picture in my head - 4p and her mighty pears - destroys tall buildings with a single blow, stops a runaway truck in its tracks, 4P the demolition queen. Her mighty pears have saved a small child from certain death by drowning in a swimming pool - he clambered out when she submerged them. A desperate mother threatenes to jump from a bridge - 4P's mighty pears broke her fall and although she needed oxygen after getting stuck in her cleavage, the young mother made a full recovery (although she never breast fed again). A fire breaks out in a school, 4P smothers it instantly with her massive pears saving 4 classes of small children. They are expected to make a full recovery after trauma counselling..
...also available for bouncy castle hire at church fetes, and birthday parties for the under 5's (special rates for the over 50's or stag nights..)
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2006 18:32:38 GMT
4P - If you're going to be a superhero, wielding your mighty pear for the good of mankind, you're going to need a superhero name.
Any suggestions anyone ?
FA x
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Post by Spruance on Oct 22, 2006 19:55:09 GMT
4P - If you're going to be a superhero, wielding your mighty pear for the good of mankind, you're going to need a superhero name. Any suggestions anyone ? FA x All I can think of is The Dynamic Duo, but then that's two people! ;D |
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Post by 4pygmies on Oct 23, 2006 6:00:38 GMT
I'm stuck on Supergran.....or maybe just - The Mighty Pear?...Catillac Queen?....I haven't worked out how I'm going to transport my mighty pears around either - sometimes it's hard to be a superhero....
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