Black Worcester

History and description of Black Worcester

Black Worcester pear is a very old variety of uncertain origin possibly dating back to Roman times. It is known to have grown in Worcester, UK before 1575 when Queen Elizabeth I saw it at Whystone Farm. It appears on the coat of arms of the city of Worcester.

Large, oval to pyriform fruit. Dull green skin almost entirely covered with a reddish brown russet. Often has a purple flush which gives the fruit a black appearance and hence the name. Pale yellow, hard, gritty flesh with little flavour when eaten raw. Never softens sufficiently to be used as a dessert pear. But one of the best cooking pears. Requires slow cooking for 1-2 hours. The flesh turns a lovely pale pink on cooking.

Moderately vigorous, spreading tree. Reliable cropper. Attractive in the autumn with colourful leaves and fruit.

Characteristics of Black Worcester pear trees

Use	Culinary
Colour
Flavour
Fruit size	Large
Picking time	Late Oct
Season of use	Dec-Mar
Tree vigour	Moderate
Tree habit
Fruit-bearing	Spur-bearer
Cropping	Good
Suitable for	Northern Britain
Pollination date	16
Pollination group	C
Self-fertility	Self-sterile triploid
Pollinators	Pollination partners