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{{Refimprove|date=January 2007}}
{{About|the tree and its fruit|other uses|Peach (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Pyrus}}
{{Other uses}}

{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
| name = Pears
| image = Autumn Red peaches.jpg
| image = Pears.jpg
| image_caption = Autumn Red Peaches, cross section
| image_caption = [[European Pear]] branch with fruit
|regnum = [[Plant]]ae
|unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
|unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
|unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
| unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
| ordo = [[Rosales]]
| ordo = [[Rosales]]
| familia = [[Rosaceae]]
| familia = [[Rosaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Maloideae]] or [[Spiraeoideae]] <ref name=Potter>{{cite journal|author=Potter, D. ''et al.''|year=2007|title=Phylogeny and classification of Rosaceae|doi=10.1007/s00606-007-0539-9|journal=Plant Systematics and Evolution|volume=266|issue=1–2|pages=5–43}}</ref>
| genus = ''[[Prunus]]''
| tribus = [[Pyreae]]<ref name=Potter/>
| subgenus = ''Amygdalus''
| species = '''''P. persica'''''
| genus = '''''Pyrus'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| binomial = ''Prunus persica''
| subdivision_ranks = [[Species]]
| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) [[August Batsch|Batsch]]
| subdivision =
About 30 species; see text
}}
}}
{{nutritionalvalue
| name=Peaches (edible part)
| kJ=165
| protein=0.9 g
| fat= 0.3 g
| carbs=9.5 g
| fiber=1.5 g
| sugars=8.4 g
| vitC_mg=6.6
| vitA_ug= 16
| potassium_mg= 190
| iron_mg= 0.25
| folate_ug=4
| source_usda=1
| right=1 }}
The '''peach''' tree (''Prunus persica'') is a species of ''[[Prunus]]'' native to China that bears an edible juicy fruit called a peach.<ref>{{cite book|last=Thacker|first=Christopher|title=The history of gardens|year=1985|publisher=University of California Press|location=Berkeley|isbn=9780520056299|page=57|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=1gn8hIgwg-gC&pg}}</ref> It is a [[deciduous]] [[tree]] growing to {{convert|4|–|10|m|abbr=on}} tall, belonging to the subfamily [[Prunoideae]] of the family [[Rosaceae]]. It is classified with the [[almond]] in the subgenus ''Amygdalus'' within the genus ''Prunus'', distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell.


The '''pear''' is a fruit tree of [[genus]] '''''Pyrus''''' ({{IPAc-en|icon|ˈ|p|aɪ|r|ə|s}}) and also the name of the tree's edible [[pome|pomaceous]] [[fruit]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Sunset Western Garden Book|year=1995|publisher=Sunset Pub. Corp.|location=Menlo Park, Calif.|isbn=978-0-376-03851-7|pages=606–607|edition=6th}}</ref> The pear is classified in subtribe [[Pyrinae]] within tribe [[Pyreae]] and is a [[perennial]]. The [[apple]] (''Malus domestica''), which it resembles in floral structure, is also a member of this subcategory.
The [[leaf|leaves]] are [[lanceolate]], {{convert|7|–|16|cm|abbr=on}} long, {{convert|2|–|3|cm|abbr=on}} broad, [[pinnate]]ly veined. The [[flower]]s are produced in early spring before the leaves; they are solitary or paired, 2.5–3&nbsp;cm diameter, pink, with five petals. The [[fruit]] has yellow or whitish flesh, a delicate aroma, and a skin that is either velvety ('''peaches''') or smooth ('''nectarines''') in different [[cultivar]]s. The flesh is very delicate and easily bruised in some cultivars, but is fairly firm in some commercial varieties, especially when green. The single, large seed is red-brown, oval shaped, approximately 1.3–2&nbsp;cm long, and is surrounded by a wood-like husk. Peaches, along with [[cherry|cherries]], [[plum]]s and [[apricot]]s, are stone fruits ([[drupe]]s).


The [[English language|English]] word “pear” is probably from Common [[West Germanic]] ''pera'', probably a [[loanword]] of [[Vulgar Latin]] ''pira'', the plural of ''pirum'', akin to [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] ἄπιος ''apios'' (from Mycenaean ''ápisos''), which is likely of [[Semitic]] origin. The [[Perry (disambiguation)|place name ''Perry'']] and ''Pharisoulopol'' can indicate the historical presence of pear trees. The term "pyriform" is sometimes used to describe something which is "pear-shaped".
The scientific name ''persica'', along with the word "peach" itself and its cognates in many European languages, derives from an early European belief that peaches were native to [[Persian Empire|Persia]] (now [[Iran]]). The modern botanical consensus is that they originate in China, and were introduced to Persia and the [[Mediterranean region]] along the [[Silk Road]] before [[History of Christianity|Christian times]].<ref name=rhs>Huxley, A., ed. (1992). ''New RHS Dictionary of Gardening''. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.</ref> Cultivated peaches are divided into [[Drupe#Terminology|clingstones and freestones]], depending on whether the flesh sticks to the stone or not; both can have either white or yellow flesh. Peaches with white flesh typically are very sweet with little [[acid]]ity, while yellow-fleshed peaches typically have an acidic tang coupled with sweetness, though this also varies greatly. Both colours often have some red on their skin. Low-acid white-fleshed peaches are the most popular kinds in China, Japan, and neighbouring Asian countries, while Europeans and North Americans have historically favoured the acidic, yellow-fleshed kinds.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Bradford 9288.JPG|left|thumb|[[Callery Pear]]s in flower]]
Although its botanical name ''Prunus persica'' suggests the peach is native to Persia, peaches actually originated in China, where they have been [[Peach production in China|cultivated since the early days of Chinese culture]]. Peaches were mentioned in Chinese writings as far back as the 10th century BC and were a favoured fruit of kings and [[Emperor of China|emperors]]. Recently, the history of cultivation of peaches in China has been extensively reviewed citing numerous original manuscripts dating back to 1100 BC.<ref name="Layne">{{cite book|url= http://books.google.com/books?id=xLW3mKQbcUUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Peach:+Botany,+Production+and+Uses&source=bl&ots=_vHzntVguH&sig=qP8dSuyP5xD54VwK0a6hGwp-9Cw&hl=en&ei=yEZtTKuPBcL_lgebosivDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false|title= The Peach: Botany, Production and Uses|first1=
[[File:PearLaFrance.jpg|left|thumb|Pear, "La France" (Japan)]]
Desmond R.|last1= Layne|first2=Daniele|last2= Bassi| publisher= CAB International|year= 2008|isbn= 9781845933869}}</ref>
[[File:201bartlett1.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bartlett pear]]s (European type) ready to [[Harvest|pick]]]]
[[File:PearBlossomsCalifornia.jpg|thumb|right|Pear blossoms]]
[[File:Pear flowers.JPG|thumb|right|Another image of pear blossoms]]
[[File:202clapps.jpg|thumb|right|Clapps Favorite (a [[Europe]]an type), perfect for picking]]


The [[Pomology|cultivation]] of the pear in cool [[temperate climate]]s extends to the [[Prehistory|remotest]] [[antiquity]], and there is evidence of its use as a food since prehistoric times. Many traces of it have been found in the [[Lake dwelling|Swiss lake-dwelling]]s. The word “pear”, or its [[Cognate|equivalent]], occurs in all the [[Celtic languages]], while in [[Slavonic languages|Slavonic]] and other dialects differ in appellations, but still referring to the same thing, are found—a diversity and multiplicity of [[nomenclature]] which led [[Alphonse de Candolle]] to infer a very ancient cultivation of the tree from the shores of the [[Caspian Sea|Caspian]] to those of the [[Atlantic]].
Its English name derives originally from the [[Latin]] ''malum persicum'', "Persian apple", which became the [[French language|French]] ''pêche'', then ''peach'' in [[Middle English]].<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=peach]</ref>


Pears grow in the [[sublime]] [[orchard]] of [[Alcinous]], in ''[[Odyssey]]'' vii: "Therein grow trees, tall and luxuriant, pears and [[pomegranate]]s and [[apple]]-trees with their bright fruit, and sweet [[ficus|fig]]s, and luxuriant [[olive]]s. Of these the fruit perishes not nor fails in [[winter]] or in summer, but lasts throughout the year."
The peach was brought to [[India]] and Western Asia in ancient times.<ref name="Ensminger">{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=XMA9gYIj-C4C&pg=PA1040&dq=%22Prunus+persica%22&hl=en#v=onepage&q=%22Prunus%20persica%22&f=false|title=Foods & nutrition encyclopedia|first= Audrey H.|last= Ensminger |publisher= CRC Press|year= 1994 |isbn= 0849389801}}</ref> [[Alexander the Great]] introduced the fruit into Europe after he conquered the Persians.<ref name="Ensminger"/> Then it was brought to the [[Americas]] by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and eventually made it to England and France in the 17th century, where it was a prized, albeit rare, treat.{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}


The pear was also cultivated by the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], who did not eat them raw{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}: [[Pliny's Natural History]] recommended [[stewing]] them with honey and noted three dozen varieties. The Roman cookbook attributed to [[Apicius]], ''[[Apicius#De_re_coquinaria|De re coquinaria]]'', has a recipe for a spiced, stewed-pear ''patina'', or soufflé.<ref>{{cite book|title=Apicius (with an introd. and an Engl. transl.)|year=2006|publisher=Prospect Books|location=Blackawton, Totnes|isbn=978-1-903018-13-2|page=IV.2.35 |author1=Sally Grainger|author2=Christopher Grocock|edition=Critical}}</ref>
The [[horticulturist]] George Minifie supposedly brought the first peaches from England to its [[British America|North American colonies]] in the early 17th century, planting them at his Estate of Buckland in [[Colony of Virginia|Virginia]].<ref>[http://genforum.genealogy.com/menefee/messages/274.html George Minifie]</ref>


A certain race of pears, with white down on the [[Epidermis (botany)|under surface]] of their leaves, is supposed to have originated from ''P. nivalis'', and their fruit is chiefly used in France in the manufacture of [[perry]] (see also [[cider]]). Other small-fruited pears, distinguished by their early ripening and apple-like fruit, may be referred to ''P. cordata'', a species found wild in western [[France]], and in [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]]. Pears have been cultivated in [[China]] for approximately 3000 years.
Various [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|American Indian]] tribes are credited with spreading the peach tree across the United States, taking seeds along with them and planting as they roved the country.


The [[genus]] is thought to have originated in present-day western China in the foothills of the [[Tian Shan]], a [[mountain range]] of [[Central Asia]], and to have spread to the north and south along mountain chains, [[Evolution|evolving]] into a diverse group of over 20 widely recognized primary species {{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}. The enormous number of varieties of the cultivated [[Europe]]an pear (''Pyrus communis'' subsp. ''communis''), are without doubt derived from one or two [[wild]] [[subspecies]] (''P. communis'' subsp. ''pyraster'' and ''P. communis'' subsp. ''caucasica''), widely distributed throughout Europe, and sometimes forming part of the natural [[vegetation]] of the [[forest]]s. In [[England]], where an ancient pear tree gave its name to{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}<!-- contradicts "Perry Barr" article which says this is NOT the origin of the name --> ''Pirio'' ([[Perry Barr]], a district of Birmingham) in [[Domesday]], the pear is sometimes considered wild; there is always the doubt that it may not really be so, but the produce of some seed of a cultivated tree deposited by [[bird]]s or otherwise, which has germinated as a wild-form spine-bearing tree. [[Court (royal)|Court]] accounts of [[Henry III of England]] record pears shipped from [[Rochelle]] and presented to the King by the Sheriffs of London. The French names of pears grown in English medieval gardens suggests that their reputation, at the least, was French; a favored variety in the accounts was named for Saint Rule or Regul', [[bishop of Senlis]].<ref name=Cecil>{{cite book|author=Evelyn Cecil|title=A History of Gardening in England|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Fk4KTrvZ8nMC|accessdate=12 April 2011|date=July 2006|publisher=Kessinger Publishing|isbn=978-1-4286-3680-4|pages=35 ff}}</ref>
Although [[Thomas Jefferson]] had peach trees at [[Monticello]], United States farmers did not begin commercial production until the 19th century in [[Maryland]], [[Delaware]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] and finally Virginia. [[California]] today grows 65% of peaches grown for commercial production in the United States,<ref>[http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/chemnews/1998/mar-98/calipears.html Peaches in California]</ref> but the states of [[South Carolina]], [[New Jersey]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Michigan]], [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Washington (state)|Washington]] also grow a significant amount.<ref>[http://www.michiganpeach.org/freshbystate.htm]</ref> Italy, China, India and [[Greece]] are major producers of peaches outside of the United States.


Asian species with medium to large [[edible]] fruit include ''P. pyrifolia'', ''P. ussuriensis'', ''P. × bretschneideri'', ''P. × sinkiangensis'', and ''P. pashia.'' Other small-fruited species are frequently used as [[rootstock]]s for the cultivated forms.
In 2010, a team of researchers at [[Clemson University]], USA, announced they had sequenced the peach tree genome (doubled haploid Lovell).<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/04/02/Peach-genome-completed/UPI-46151270228201/ Peach genome completed] United Press International, April 2, 2010, Retrieved August 30, 2010</ref><ref>Sosinski, Byron et al (2010) [http://www.rosaceae.org/peach/genome Peach Genome] Genome Database for Rosacea, Retrieved August 30, 2010</ref>


==Cultivation==
==Botany==
Pears are native to coastal and mildly temperate regions of the [[Old World]], from western [[Europe]] and north [[Africa]] east right across [[Asia]]. They are medium-sized trees, reaching 10–17 m tall, often with a tall, narrow crown; a few species are [[shrub]]by. The [[leaf|leaves]] are alternately arranged, simple, 2–12&nbsp;cm long, glossy green on some species, densely silvery-hairy in some others; leaf shape varies from broad oval to narrow lanceolate. Most pears are [[deciduous]], but one or two species in southeast Asia are [[evergreen]]. Most are cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures between −25 °C and −40 °C in winter, except for the evergreen species, which only tolerate temperatures down to about −15 °C.
Peach plants grow very well in a fairly limited range, since they have a [[chilling requirement]] that tropical areas cannot satisfy. The trees themselves can usually tolerate temperatures to around {{convert|-26|to|-30|C|F}}, although the following season's flower buds are usually killed at these temperatures, leading to no crop that summer. Flower bud kill begins to occur between {{convert|-15|and|-25|C|F}}, depending on the [[cultivar]] (some are more cold-tolerant than others) and the timing of the cold, with the buds becoming less cold tolerant in late winter.<ref>Szalay, L., Papp, J., and Szaóbo, Z. (2000). Evaluation of frost tolerance of peach varieties in artificial freezing tests. In: Geibel, M., Fischer, M., and Fischer, C. (eds.). Eucarpia symposium on Fruit Breeding and Genetics. ''Acta Horticulturae'' 538. [http://www.actahort.org/books/538/538_71.htm Abstract.]</ref> Certain cultivars are more tender, and others can tolerate a few degrees colder. In addition, intense summer heat is required to mature the crop, with mean temperatures of the hottest month between {{convert|20|and|30|C|F}}. Another problematic issue in many peach-growing areas is spring frost. The trees tend to flower fairly early in spring. The blooms often can be damaged or killed by freezes; typically, if temperatures drop below about {{convert|-4|C|F}}, most flowers will be killed. However, if the flowers are not fully open, they can tolerate a few degrees colder. {{Citation needed|date=September 2010}}
The [[flower]]s are white, rarely tinted yellow or pink, 2–4&nbsp;cm diameter, and have five petals.<ref name="pearfruit">http://www.bouquetoffruits.com/fruit-facts/pear-facts.html {{dead link|date=April 2011}}</ref> Like that of the related [[apple]], the pear fruit is a [[pome]], in most wild species 1–4&nbsp;cm diameter, but in some cultivated forms up to 18&nbsp;cm long and 8&nbsp;cm broad; the shape varies in most species from oblate or globose, to the classic pyriform '[[pear shaped|pear-shape]]' of the [[European Pear]] with an elongated basal portion and a bulbous end.


The fruit is composed of the receptacle or upper end of the flower-stalk (the so-called [[calyx (botany)|calyx]] tube) greatly dilated. Enclosed within its cellular flesh is the true fruit: five [[cartilaginous]] [[carpels]], known colloquially as the "core". From the upper rim of the receptacle are given off the five [[sepal]]s{{Vague|now you are talking about the flower again|date=July 2009}}, the five [[petal]]s, and the very numerous [[stamen]]s.
Important historical peach-producing areas are China, [[Iran]], France, and the [[Mediterranean]] countries, such as [[Italy]], [[Spain]] and [[Greece]]. More recently, the United States (where the three largest producing states are [[California]], [[South Carolina]],<ref>Fort Valley State University College of Agriculture: [http://web.archive.org/web/20080530124208/http://www.ag.fvsu.edu/publicat/commoditysheets/fvsu001.htm Peaches]</ref> and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]<ref>Georgia Peach: [http://www.american.edu/TED/georgiapeach.htm Georgia Peach Study]</ref>), Canada ([[British Columbia]]), and Australia (the [[Riverland]] region) have also become important; peach growing in the [[Niagara Peninsula]] of [[Ontario]], Canada, was formerly intensive, but slowed substantially in 2008 when the last fruit cannery in Canada was closed by the proprietors.<ref>[http://www.betterfarming.com/online-news/growers-left-lurch-cangro-plant-closures-go-ahead-390 Growers left in lurch as CanGro plant closures go ahead]</ref> [[Oceanic climate]] areas, like the [[Pacific Northwest]] and coastline of northwestern Europe, are generally not satisfactory for growing peaches due to inadequate summer heat, though they are sometimes grown trained against south-facing walls to catch extra heat from the sun. Trees grown in a sheltered and south-facing position in the southeast of England are capable of producing both flowers and a large crop of fruit. In [[Vietnam]], the most famous variety of peach fruit product is grown in Mẫu Sơn commune, [[Lộc Bình District|Lộc Bình district]], [[Lang Son Province|Lạng Sơn]] province.


The pear is very similar to the [[apple]] in cultivation, [[Fruit tree propagation|propagation]] and [[Fruit tree pollination|pollination]]. The pear and the apple are also related to the [[quince]].
For home gardeners, semidwarf ({{convert|3|to|4|m|abbr=on}}) and dwarf ({{convert|2|to|3|m|abbr=on}}) varieties have been developed by grafting desirable cultivars onto dwarfing rootstock. Fruit size is not affected. Another mutation is flowering peaches, selected for ornamental display rather than fruit production.


Pears and apples cannot always be distinguished by the form of the fruit; some pears look very much like some apples. One major difference is that the flesh of pear fruit contains [[Ground tissue#Sclereids|stone cells]] (also called "grit"). Pear trees and apple trees do have several visible differences.
Depending on climate and cultivar, peach harvest can occur from late May into August (Northern Hemisphere); harvest from each tree lasts about a week.


According to Pear Bureau Northwest, there are about 3000 known varieties of pears grown worldwide. In the United States only 10 heirloom varieties are widely recognized: Green Bartlett, Red Bartlett, Bosc, Green Anjou, Red Anjou, Comice, Forelle, Seckel, Concorde, and Starkrimson. <ref>[http://usapears.com/Recipes%20And%20Lifestyle/Now%20Serving/Pears%20and%20Varieties.aspx Pear Varieties]. usapears.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-12.</ref>
===Nectarines===
[[Image:White nectarine and cross section02 edit.jpg|thumb|upright|White nectarines, whole and cut open]]
The nectarine [[cultivar group]] of peaches have a smooth skin. It is often referred to as a "shaved peach", "fuzzy-less peach" or "shaven peach" due to its lack of fuzz or short hairs. Though fuzzy peaches and nectarines are regarded commercially as different fruits, with nectarines often erroneously believed to be a crossbreed between peaches and [[plum]]s, or a "peach with a plum skin", they belong to the same species as peaches. Several genetic studies have concluded nectarines are created due to a [[recessive gene]], whereas a fuzzy peach skin is [[dominant gene|dominant]].<ref name=osu>Oregon State University: [http://web.archive.org/web/20080714065820/http://food.oregonstate.edu/faq/uffva/nectarine2.html peaches and nectarines]</ref> Nectarines have arisen many times from peach trees, often as [[bud sport]]s.


===Major recognized taxa===
As with peaches, nectarines can be white or yellow, and clingstone or freestone. On average, nectarines are slightly smaller and sweeter than peaches, but with much overlap.<ref name=osu/> The lack of skin fuzz can make nectarine skins appear more reddish than those of peaches, contributing to the fruit's plum-like appearance. The lack of down on nectarines' skin also means their skin is more easily bruised than peaches.
[[File:204VicarWinkfield.jpg|thumb|right|Vicar of Winkfield pear, a heritage variety, no longer commonly found, [[British Columbia]], [[Canada]]]]
[[File:DriedPears.JPG|thumb|right|Pears are sometimes eaten dried]]
{|
|- valign=top
|
*''[[Pyrus amygdaliformis]]''—Almond-leafed Pear
*''[[Pyrus armeniacifolia]]''
*''[[Pyrus boissieriana]]''
*''[[Pyrus bourgaeana]]''—Iberian Pear
*''[[Pyrus × bretschneideri]]''—Chinese white pear; also classified as a subspecies of ''Pyrus pyrifolia''
*''[[Callery Pear|Pyrus calleryana]]''—Callery Pear
*''[[Pyrus communis]]'' subsp. ''communis''—European Pear (cultivars include [[d'Anjou|Beurre d'Anjou]], [[Williams pear|Bartlett]] and [[Bosc Pear|Beurre Bosc]])
*''Pyrus communis '' subsp. ''caucasica'' ([[syn.]] ''P. caucasica'')
*''Pyrus communis'' subsp. ''pyraster''—Wild European Pear ([[syn.]] ''P. pyraster'')
*''[[Pyrus cordata]]''—Plymouth Pear
*''[[Pyrus cossonii]]''—Algerian Pear
*''[[Pyrus dimorphophylla]]''
*''[[Pyrus elaeagnifolia]]''—Oleaster-leafed Pear <!---->
*''[[Pyrus fauriei]]''
*''[[Pyrus gharbiana]]''
*''[[Pyrus glabra]]''
*''Pyrus hondoensis''
*''[[Pyrus koehnei]]''—Evergreen pear of southern China and Taiwan
*''[[Pyrus korshinskyi]]''
*''[[Pyrus mamorensis]]''
*''[[Pyrus nivalis]]''—Snow Pear
*''[[Pyrus pashia]]''—Afghan Pear
*''[[Pyrus ×phaeocarpa]]''
*''[[Pyrus pseudopashia]]''
*''[[Nashi Pear|Pyrus pyrifolia]]''—Nashi Pear, Sha Li
*''[[Pyrus regelii]]''
*''[[Pyrus salicifolia]]''—Willow-leafed Pear
*''[[Pyrus × serrulata]]''
*''[[Pyrus × sinkiangensis]]''—thought to be an interspecific hybrid between ''P. ''×''bretschneideri'' and ''Pyrus communis''
*''[[Pyrus syriaca]]''
*''[[Pyrus ussuriensis]]''—Siberian Pear
*''[[Pyrus xerophila]]''
|}


== Ecology ==
The history of the nectarine is unclear; the first recorded mention in [[English language|English]] is from 1616,<ref>''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]''</ref> but they had probably been grown much earlier within the native range of the peach in [[Central Asia|central]] and [[East Asia|eastern Asia]]. Nectarines were introduced into the United States by [[David Fairchild]] of the Department of Agriculture in 1906.<ref>{{Cite book
In the wild, some species such as the Iberian pear are dispersed by mammals and some birds.<ref>Fedriani, JM and Delibes, M. 2009. "Seed dispersal in the Iberian pear, ''Pyrus bourgaeana'': A role for infrequent mutualists." ''Ecoscience'' 16: 311-321.</ref>
| last = Fairchild

| first = David
==Cultivation==
| authorlink = David Fairchild
The pear is frequently raised by sowing the pips (seeds) of ordinary cultivated or of wild kinds, these forming what are known as free or pear stocks, on which the choicer varieties are [[Grafting|grafted]] for increase. Both quince and clonally-produced pear rootstocks are also used for ''Pyrus communis'' orchards. For new varieties the flowers can be [[Cross-breeding|cross-bred]] to preserve or combine desirable traits. The fruit of the pear is produced on spurs, which appear on shoots more than one year old.{{Citation needed|date=December 2007}}
| coauthors =
| title = The World Was My Garden
| publisher = Charles Scribner's Sons
| year = 1938
| location = New York
| page = 226}}
</ref>


Three species account for the vast majority of edible fruit production, the [[European Pear]] ''Pyrus communis'' subsp. ''communis'' cultivated mainly in Europe and [[North America]], the Chinese white pear (bai li) ''Pyrus ×bretschneideri'', and the [[Nashi Pear]] ''Pyrus pyrifolia'' (also known as Asian Pear or Apple Pear), both grown mainly in eastern Asia. There are thousands of [[cultivar]]s of these three species. A species grown in western China, ''P. sinkiangensis'', and ''P. pashia'', grown in southern China and south Asia, are also produced to a lesser degree.
===Diseases===
{{Main|List of peach and nectarine diseases}}
The trees are prone to a disease called [[leaf curl]], which usually does not directly affect the fruit, but does reduce the crop yield by partially defoliating the tree. The fruit is very susceptible to [[brown rot]], or a dark reddish spot.


Other species are used as [[rootstock]]s for European and Asian pears and as [[ornamental plant|ornamental trees]]. The [[Siberian Pear]], ''Pyrus ussuriensis'' (which produces unpalatable fruit) has been crossed with ''Pyrus communis'' to breed hardier pear cultivars. The [[Callery Pear|Bradford Pear]] (''Pyrus calleryana'' 'Bradford') in particular has become widespread in North America and is used only as an ornamental tree, as well as a blight-resistant rootstock for ''Pyrus communis'' fruit orchards. The [[Willow-leafed Pear]] (''Pyrus salicifolia'') is grown for its attractive slender, densely silvery-hairy leaves.
===Planting===
{{Howto|section|date=June 2011}}
[[Image:Nectarine Fruit Development.jpg|thumb|300px|The developmental sequence of a nectarine over a {{frac|7|1|2}}-month period, from bud formation in early winter to fruit [[ripening]] in midsummer (see [[:Image:Nectarine Fruit Development.jpg|image page]] for further information)]]
Most peach trees sold by nurseries are named cultivars [[Shield budding|budded]] or [[grafted]] onto a suitable [[rootstock]]. Trees can be grown from either a peach or nectarine [[seed]], but the fruit quality of the resulting tree will be very unpredictable.


===Harvest===
Peaches should be located in full sun, and with good air flow to allow cold air to flow away on frosty nights and keep the area cool in summer. Peaches are best planted in early winter, as this allows time for the roots to establish and to sustain the new spring growth. When planting in rows, plant the row north to south.
Summer and autumn [[cultivar]]s of ''Pyrus communis'', being [[Climacteric fruits]] are gathered before they are fully ripe, while they are still green, but snap off when lifted. In the case of the 'Passe Crassane', long the favored winter pear in [[France]], the crop should is traditionally gathered at three different times: the first a fortnight or more before it is ripe, the second a week or ten days after that, and the third when fully ripe. The first gathering will come into eating last, and thus the season of the fruit may be considerably prolonged.


Nashi pears are allowed to ripen on the tree.
For optimum growth, peach trees require a constant supply of water, increased shortly before harvest. The best-tasting fruit is produced when the peach is watered throughout the season. [[Drip irrigation]] is ideal, with at least one dripper per tree. Although it is better to use multiple drippers around the tree, this is not necessary. A quarter of the root being watered is sufficient.


===Diseases and pests===
Peaches have a high [[nutrient]] requirement, needing more [[nitrogen]] than most other fruit trees. An NPK [[fertilizer]] can be applied regularly, and an additional mulch of poultry manure in autumn soon after the harvest will benefit the tree. If the leaves of the peach are yellow or small, the tree needs more nitrogen. [[Blood meal]] and [[bone meal]], {{convert|3|–|5|kg}} per mature tree, or calcium ammonium nitrate, {{convert|0.5|–|1|kg}}, are suitable fertilizers. This also applies if the tree is putting forth little growth.
{{Main|List of pear diseases|List of Lepidoptera that feed on pear trees}}


===Production===
If the full number of peaches is left, they will be under-sized and lacking in [[sugar]] and flavour. In dry conditions, extra watering is important. The fruit should be thinned when they have reached {{convert|2|cm}} in diameter, usually about two months after flowering. Fresh fruit are best consumed on the day of picking, and do not keep well. They are best eaten when the fruit is slightly soft, having [[aroma]], and heated by the sun.
[[File:2005pear and quince.svg|300px|thumb|right|Pear and [[quince]] output in 2005]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan=5|Top ten pear producers
|-
! style="background:#ddf; width:25%;"| Country
! style="background:#ddf; width:15%;"| Production ([[tonne]]s)
! style="background:#ddf; width:10%;"| Footnote
|-
| {{PRC}} || align=right |12,625,000 || align=right | F
|-
| {{ITA}} || align=right |840,516 || align=right |
|-
| {{USA}} || align=right |799,180 || align=right |
|-
| {{ESP}} || align=right |537,400 || align=right |
|-
| {{ARG}} || align=right |520,000 || align=right | F
|-
| {{KOR}} || align=right |425,000 || align=right | F
|-
| {{TUR}} || align=right |349,420 || align=right |
|-
| {{JPN}} || align=right |325,000 || align=right | F
|-
| {{ZAF}} || align=right |325,000 || align=right | F
|-
| {{NLD}} || align=right |224,000 || align=right | F
|- style="background:#ccc;"
|| '''World'''
| style="text-align:right;"| '''20,105,683'''
| style="text-align:right;"| '''A'''
|-
|colspan=5 style="font-size:.7em"|No symbol = official figure, P = official figure, F = FAO estimate, * = Unofficial/Semi-official/mirror data, C = Calculated figure A = Aggregate (may include official, semi-official, or estimates);<br>
Source: [http://faostat.fao.org/site/567/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=567#ancor Food And Agricultural Organization of United Nations: Economic And Social Department: The Statistical Division]
|}


===Storage===
==Storage==
Pears may be stored at room temperature until ripe.<ref name=cpma>[http://www.cpma.ca/en_hea_storage.asp Canadian Produce Marketing Association > Home Storage Guide for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables] Retrieved August 2010</ref> Pears are ripe when flesh around stem gives to gentle pressure.<ref name=cpma/> Ripe pears are optimally stored refrigerated, uncovered in a single layer, where they have a shelf life of 2 to 3 days.<ref name=cpma/>
Peaches should be stored at room temperature and [[refrigeration]] should be avoided as this can lessen the taste of the peach. Peaches do not ripen after being picked from the tree, so storing for ripening is not necessary.<ref>Kitchen, Leanne ''The Produce Bible'' 2007, pg.89)</ref>


==Uses==
==Asian traditions==
[[File:Pyrus communis gestoofde stoofpeer Gieser Wildeman.jpg|right|thumb|''Gieser Wildeman'' simmered in red wine.]]
{{Chinese text|section}}
Pears are consumed fresh, canned, as [[juice]], and [[dried fruit|dried]]. The juice can also be used in [[Jelly (fruit preserves)|jellies]] and [[jam]]s, usually in combination with other fruits or berries. Fermented pear juice is called [[perry]] or pear cider.
[[Image:PrunusVarCompressa.jpg|thumb|The Chinese flat peach, also called ''Paraguaya'' (Paraguayan) and [[Saturn Peach]]]]
Peaches are known in China, Japan, Korea, Laos, and Vietnam, not only as a popular fruit, but also for the many [[folk tales]] and traditions associated with it, such as the [[Peaches of Immortality]].


Pears ripen at room temperature. They will [[ethylene|ripen faster]] if placed next to [[banana]]s in a fruit bowl.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/pears-can-be-ripened-perfection |title=Pears can be ripened to perfection |work=extension.oregonstate.edu |year=2011 [last update] |author1= Judy Scott |author2=David Sugar |accessdate=August 30, 2011}}</ref> Refrigeration will slow further ripening. Pear Bureau Northwest offers tips on ripening and judging ripeness: Although the skin on Bartlett pears changes from green to yellow as they ripen, most varieties show little color change as they ripen. Because pears ripen from the inside out, the best way to judge ripeness is to "Check the Neck." To Check the Neck for ripeness, apply gentle thumb pressure to the neck, or stem end of the pear. If it yields to gentle pressure, then the pear is ripe, sweet, and juicy. If it is firm, leave pear at room temperature and Check the Neck daily for ripeness. Source: [http://www.usapears.org/Recipes%20And%20Lifestyle/Culinary%20Corner/Produce-Guide.aspx Pear Bureau Northwest]
Peach blossoms are highly prized in Chinese culture, and because they appear before leaves sprout. The ancient Chinese believed the peach to possess more vitality than any other tree. When early rulers of China visited their territories, they were preceded by sorcerers armed with peach rods to protect them from spectral evils. On New Year's Eve, local magistrates would cut peach wood branches and place them over their doors to protect against evil influences.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Researches into Chinese Superstitions|last1=Doré S.J.|first1=Henry|last2=Kennelly, S.J. (Translator)|first2=M.|year=1914|publisher=Tusewei Press, Shanghai}} Vol V p. 505</ref> Peach kernels (桃仁 ''táo rén'') are a common ingredient used in [[traditional Chinese medicine]] to dispel blood [[Stasis (medicine)|stasis]], counter inflammation and reduce allergies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tcmlib.com/zy/html31/showdetail-333035312ce6a183e4bb812c7a79.html|title=TCM: Peach kernels|language=Chinese|accessdate=November 1, 2010}}</ref>.


The culinary or cooking pear is green but dry and hard and only edible after several hours of cooking. Two Dutch cultivars are "Gieser Wildeman" and "Saint Remy". They are traditionally stewed in wine with spices and served both warm and cold.<ref>[http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/566/ Dutch stewed pears]. Davesgarden.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-12.</ref>
It was in an orchard of flowering peach trees that [[Liu Bei]], [[Guan Yu]], and [[Zhang Fei]] took an oath of brotherhood in the opening chapter of the classic Chinese novel ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]''. Another peach forest, the “[[Peach Blossom Spring]],” is the setting of the favourite Chinese fable and a metaphor of utopias. A peach tree growing on a precipice was where the Taoist master [[Zhang Daoling]] tested his disciples.<ref>{{cite book|author=Stephen Eskildsen|title=Asceticism in early taoist religion|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=49WfkiAVEYsC&pg=PA26|accessdate=28 June 2011|year=1998|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=9780791439555|page=26}}</ref>


Pear [[wood]] is one of the preferred materials in the manufacture of high-quality [[woodwind]] instruments and [[furniture]]. It is also used for wood carving, and as a [[firewood]] to produce aromatic smoke for smoking meat or [[tobacco]]. Pear wood is valued for kitchen spoons, scoops and stirrers, as it does not contaminate food with color, flavor or smell and resists warping and splintering despite repeated soaking and drying cycles. Lincoln describes it as "a fairly tough, very stable wood... (used for) carving... brushbacks, umbrella handles, measuring instruments such as set squares and T-squares... recorders... violin and guitar fingerboards and piano keys... decorative veneering." Pearwood is the favored wood for architect's rulers because it does not warp. It is similar to the wood of its relative, the apple tree, (''Pyrus malus'' [also called ''[[Malus domestica]]'']) and used for many of the same purposes.<ref>Lincoln, William (1986). ''World Woods in Color''. Fresno, California, USA: Linden Publishing Co. Inc.. pp. 33, 207. ISBN 0-941936-20-1.</ref>
[[Momotaro]], one of Japan's most noble and semihistorical heroes, was born from within an enormous peach floating down a stream. Momotaro or "Peach Boy" went on to fight evil [[Oni (Japanese folklore)|''oni'']] and face many adventures.
[[Image:Momohatozu.jpg|thumb|left|In this Chinese Song Dynasty painting of a bird and peach blossom, by [[Emperor Huizong of Song]], 11th century, the bird resembles and is most likely a type of pigeon. A favourite of many pigeons are leaves of the plum family (which includes peaches, etc.).]]


Pear leaves were smoked in Europe before tobacco was introduced.<ref>[http://info-tabac.noname.fr/histoire-du-tabac.html Info Tabac: histoire du tabac], accessed 3 June 2010. {{fr icon}}</ref><ref>[http://tabac-net.aphp.fr/tab-connaitre/tc-article/tc-art-histoire.html Bertrand Dautzenberg] (no date). Epidémiologie des maladies liées au tabac, accessed 3 June 2010. {{fr icon}}</ref>
In Korea, peaches have been cultivated from ancient times. According to ''[[Samguk Sagi]]'', peach trees were planted during the [[Three Kingdoms of Korea]] period, and ''[[Sallim gyeongje]]'' also mentions cultivation skills of peach trees. Peach is seen as the fruit of happiness, riches, honours and longevity. It is one of the ten immortal plants and animals, so peaches appear in many ''[[minhwa]]'' (folk paintings). Peaches and peach trees are believed to chase away spirits, so peaches are not placed on tables for ''[[jesa]]'' (ancestor veneration), unlike other fruits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=B&i=1013997&v=43 |title=한국에서의 복숭아 재배 |trans_title=Peach cultivation in Korea |publisher=[[Nate]] / [[Britannica]] |language=Korean |accessdate=2010-01-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://100.nate.com/dicsearch/pentry.html?s=K&i=255510&v=43 |title=복숭아 |trans_title=Peach |publisher=[[Nate]] / [[Encyclopedia of Korean Culture]] |language=Korean |accessdate=2010-01-12}}</ref>


==Health benefits==
A Vietnamese mythic history states that, in the spring of 1789, after marching to Ngọc Hồi and then winning a great victory against invaders from the [[Qing Dynasty]] of China, the King [[Quang Trung]] ordered a messenger to gallop to [[Phú Xuân|Phú Xuân citadel]] (now [[Huế]]) and deliver a flowering peach branch to the Princess Ngọc Hân. This took place on the fifth day of the first lunar month, two days before the predicted end of the battle. The branch of peach flowers that was sent from the north to the centre of Vietnam was not only a message of victory from the King to his wife, but also the start of a new spring of peace and happiness for all the Vietnamese people. In addition, since the land of Nhật Tân had freely given that very branch of peach flowers to the King, it became the loyal garden of his dynasty.
{{nutritionalvalue | name=Pear, raw | kJ=242 | protein=0.38 g | fat=0 g | carbs=15.46 g | fiber=3.1 g | | sugars=9.80 g | iron_mg=0.17 | calcium_mg=9 | magnesium_mg=7 | phosphorus_mg=11 | potassium_mg=119 | zinc_mg=0.10 | vitC_mg=4.2 | pantothenic_mg=0.048 | vitB6_mg=0.028 | folate_ug=7 | thiamin_mg=0.012 | riboflavin_mg=0.025 | niacin_mg=0.157 | right=1 | source_usda=1 }}
Pears are an excellent source of [[dietary fiber]] and a good source of [[Vitamin C]]. According to the FDA's final rule dated July 25, 2006 "Food Labeling; Guidelines for Voluntary Nutrition Labeling of Raw Fruits, Vegetables, and Fish," the nutritional content of a medium-sized fresh pear weighing 166g/5.9oz is as follows:<br>
{|
|-
|Calories ||100
|-
|Calories from fat: ||0
|-
|Total fat: ||0g/0%
|-
|Saturated fat: ||0g/0%
|-
|Trans fat: ||0g/0%
|-
|Cholesterol: ||0&nbsp;mg/0%
|-
|Sodium: ||0&nbsp;mg/0%
|-
|Potassium: ||190&nbsp;mg/5%
|-
|Total carbohydrate: ||26&nbsp;mg/9%
|-
|Dietary Fiber: ||6g/24%
|-
|Sugars: ||16g
|-
|Protein: ||1g
|-
|Vitamin A: ||0%
|-
|Vitamin C: ||10%
|-
|Calcium: ||2%
|-
|Iron: ||0%
|}


Pears are less [[allergenic]] than many other fruits, and pear juice is therefore sometimes used as the first juice introduced to infants.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.freediets.com/fruits-vegetables/the-wonder-of-pears |title = The wonder of pears |publisher = FreeDiets }}</ref> However, caution is recommended for all fruit juice consumption by infants as studies have suggested a link between excessive fruit juice consumption and reduced nutrient intake as well as a tendency towards obesity.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Patricia Queen Samour|author2=Kathy King Helm|author3=Carol E. Lang|title=Handbook of Pediatric Nutrition|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=1j_Tn-iXbMwC&pg=PA89|accessdate=12 April 2011|year=1999|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning|isbn=978-0-7637-3305-6|pages=89–}}</ref> Pears are low in [[salicylates]] and [[benzoates]] and are therefore recommended in exclusion diets for allergy sufferers.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.sswahs.nsw.gov.au/rpa/allergy/research/excldiet.pdf|title=An Australian exclusion diet|year= 1978|pmid=661687|journal=The Medical Journal of Australia |volume=1|pages=290–292|last1=Gibson|first1=AR|last2=Clancy|first2=RL|issue=5}}</ref> Along with [[domestic sheep|lamb]] and [[rice]], pears may form part of the strictest exclusion diet for allergy sufferers<ref>[http://www.allergy-clinic.co.uk/food_allergy_for_public.htm A. Morris 2008 ''A Guide to Suspected Food Allergy'', Surrey Allergy Clinic, U. K.]</ref>
It was a by peach tree that the protagonists of ''[[the Tale of Kieu]]'' fell in love. And in [[Vietnam]], the blossoming peach flower is the signal of spring. Finally, peach [[bonsai]] trees are used as decoration during Vietnamese New Year ([[Tết]]) in northern Vietnam.


Pears can be useful in treating inflammation of [[mucous membrane]]s, [[colitis]], chronic [[gallbladder disorders]], [[arthritis]], and [[gout]]. Pears can also be beneficial in lowering [[high blood pressure]], controlling blood [[cholesterol]] levels, and increasing urine acidity.
==Nutrition and research==
{{Expand section|date=November 2008}}
A medium peach {{convert|75|g|abbr=on}}, has 30&nbsp;Cal, 7&nbsp;g of carbohydrate (6&nbsp;g sugars and 1&nbsp;g fibre), 1&nbsp;g of protein, 140&nbsp;mg of potassium, and 8% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C.<ref>USDA Handbook No. 8</ref>


In ancient Greece, pears were used to treat nausea.
As with many other members of the rose family, peach seeds contain [[Glycosides#Cyanogenic glycosides|cyanogenic glycosides]], including [[amygdalin]] (note the [[subgenus]] designation: ''Amygdalus''). These substances are capable of decomposing into a sugar molecule and [[hydrogen cyanide]] gas. While peach seeds are not the most toxic within the rose family, that dubious honour going to the [[bitter almond]], large doses of these chemicals from any source are hazardous to human health.


Most of the fiber is insoluble, making pears a good laxative. The gritty fiber content may cut down on the number of cancerous [[colon polyp]]s. Most of the [[vitamin C]], as well as the dietary fiber, is contained within the skin of the fruit.<ref>{{cite book|author=Phyllis A. Balch|title=Prescription for Dietary Wellness|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Z_kueEFK0f0C&pg=PA67|accessdate=12 April 2011|date=13 May 2003|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-1-58333-147-7|pages=67–}}</ref>
Peach [[food allergy|allergy]] or [[food intolerance|intolerance]] is a relatively common form of hypersensitivity to [[proteins]] contained in peaches and related fruit ([[almonds]]). Symptoms range from local symptoms (e.g. [[oral allergy syndrome]], [[contact urticaria]]) to systemic symptoms, including [[anaphylaxis]] (e.g. [[urticaria]], [[angioedema]], gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms).<ref>[http://www.food-allergens.de/symposium-2-4/peach/peach-allergens.htm Article on Peach allergy, M. Besler et al.]</ref> Adverse reactions are related to the "freshness" of the fruit: peeled or canned fruit may be tolerated.


==Gallery==
==See also==
* [[List of culinary fruits]]
<gallery perrow="4">
File:Peachblossoms3800ppx.JPG|A peach tree in blossom
File:Youngpeach3800ppx Cropped.jpg|Developing fruit
Image:Peach flowers.jpg|Peach flower
Image:Flavorcrest peaches.jpg|Flavorcrest peaches
Image:Peach1web.jpg|Peach (cultivar 'Berry')&nbsp;– watercolour 1895
Image:Pfirsiche.jpg|Harvested peaches
File:White peach and cross section edit.jpg|White peach and cross section
Image:Peach Melba.jpg|[[Peach Melba]]
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
{{1911}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Wiktionary}}
{{Commons category|Peaches}}
{{Commons category|Pears}}
{{wikispecies|Prunus persica}}
{{Cookbook|Pear}}
* Huxley, A., ed. (1992). ''New RHS Dictionary of Gardening''. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.
{{wikispecies|Pyrus}}
* [http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/freeze/peach.html National Center for Home Food Preservation—Freezing Peaches]
* [http://www.calpear.com/recipes/default.aspx California Pear Recipes] – Over one hundred pear recipes from California Pears.
* [http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/species/frame/prpe3.htm ''Prunus persica'' images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu]
* [http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/pomes/euro-varieties European pear varieties] – description of Australian commercial pears
* [http://www.clemson.edu/peach Everything About Peaches]
* [http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Fi-Go/Fruit-in-Mythology.html Fruit in mythology] – Symbolism of pears
* [http://botany.metalibrary.net/books/bartrum/pearsandplums Handbook of Practical Gardening] – Gardening information on pears.
* [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/pearinhistory.pdf "The Pear in History, Literature, Popular Culture, and Art"]
* [http://www.pearpanache.com Pear Panache] – a collection of pear recipes for chefs and by chefs
* [http://www.usapears.org/Recipes%20And%20Lifestyle/Now%20Serving/Recipes.aspx Pear Recipes] – collection of pear recipes from Pear Bureau Northwest
* [http://www.calpear.com/our-fruit/varieties-availability.aspx Pear Varieties] – Information about pear varieties grown in California.
* [http://www.uga.edu/fruit/pear.html University of Georgia Pear Page] – History of cultivation and commerce.
* [http://www.usapears.com/en/Recipes%20And%20Lifestyle/Now%20Serving/Pears%20and%20Varieties.aspx USA Pears] – descriptions of pear varieties from a U.S. advocacy group.
* [http://www.cirrusimage.com/tree_wild_pear.htm Wild Pear, ''Pyrus pyraster''] – Diagnostic photos, [[Morton Arboretum]] specimens
{{Pyrus}}


[[Category:Prunus]]
[[Category:Pears| ]]
[[Category:Fruit]]
[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
[[Category:Flora of China]]
[[Category:Flora of Europe]]
[[Category:Pyrus| ]]
[[Category:Maleae]]
[[Category:Crops originating from China]]
[[Category:Crops originating from China]]
[[Category:Vietnamese ingredients]]


[[ab:Атама]]
[[ang:Peru (ofet)]]
[[ar:دراق (نبات)]]
[[ar:كمثرى]]
[[an:Prunus persica]]
[[an:Pyrus]]
[[ast:Prunus persica]]
[[av:Гени]]
[[az:Adi şaftalı]]
[[az:Armud]]
[[bjn:Persik]]
[[zh-min-nan:Lâi-á]]
[[be:Груша]]
[[zh-min-nan:Thô-á]]
[[be:Персік]]
[[bs:Kruška]]
[[bg:Круша]]
[[bo:ཁམ་བུ།]]
[[bs:Breskva]]
[[ca:Perera]]
[[bg:Праскова]]
[[cs:Hruška]]
[[ca:Presseguer]]
[[cy:Gellygen]]
[[cs:Broskev]]
[[da:Pære]]
[[ch:Melokoton]]
[[de:Birnen]]
[[nv:Bilasáana bitseeʼ nineezígíí]]
[[da:Ferskentræ]]
[[de:Pfirsich]]
[[dsb:Kšušcyna]]
[[nv:Didzétsoh]]
[[el:Αχλαδιά]]
[[dsb:Rjaschen]]
[[eml:Pìr]]
[[et:Virsik]]
[[es:Pyrus]]
[[eo:Piro]]
[[el:Ροδακινιά]]
[[es:Prunus persica]]
[[eu:Madari]]
[[eo:Persiko]]
[[fa:گلابی]]
[[eu:Mertxikondo]]
[[fr:Poire]]
[[fa:هلو]]
[[fur:Piruçâr]]
[[fr:Pêche (fruit)]]
[[ga:Piorra]]
[[fur:Pierçolâr]]
[[gv:Peear]]
[[ga:Péitseog]]
[[gl:Pera]]
[[gv:Peitshag]]
[[ko:배나무속]]
[[gl:Pexego]]
[[hsb:Krušwa]]
[[ko:복숭아]]
[[hr:Kruške]]
[[hi:आड़ू]]
[[io:Piro]]
[[hsb:Brěškowc]]
[[ig:Ube]]
[[hr:Breskva]]
[[id:Pir]]
[[io:Persiko]]
[[os:Кæрдо]]
[[id:Persik]]
[[it:Pyrus]]
[[os:Алтъами]]
[[he:אגס]]
[[ka:მსხალი]]
[[is:Ferskja]]
[[it:Prunus persica]]
[[mrj:Грушаву]]
[[he:אפרסק]]
[[la:Pyrus]]
[[lv:Bumbieres]]
[[kn:ಪೀಚ್ (peach)]]
[[ka:ატამი]]
[[lb:Bir]]
[[kk:Шабдалы]]
[[lt:Kriaušė]]
[[ht:Pèch (fwi)]]
[[hu:Körte]]
[[ku:Xox (riwek)]]
[[mi:Pea (huarākau)]]
[[lbe:ЦIулит]]
[[ms:Pear]]
[[la:Prunus persica]]
[[mdf:Груша]]
[[lv:Persiks]]
[[nah:Pera]]
[[lb:Piisch (Uebst)]]
[[nl:Peer (vrucht)]]
[[lt:Persikas]]
[[ja:ナシ属]]
[[lij:Pèrsego]]
[[no:Pære]]
[[lmo:Prunus persica]]
[[nn:Pære]]
[[hu:Őszibarack]]
[[nrm:Peire]]
[[ms:Pic]]
[[oc:Pera]]
[[nah:Duraznocuahuitl]]
[[pl:Grusza]]
[[nl:Perzik]]
[[pt:Pera]]
[[nds-nl:Pirk]]
[[kaa:Almurt]]
[[cr:Min kamilauat]]
[[qu:Pira]]
[[ja:モモ]]
[[ru:Груша]]
[[no:Fersken]]
[[sco:Peir]]
[[nn:Fersken]]
[[sq:Dardha]]
[[oc:Persec]]
[[simple:Pear]]
[[pnb:آڑو]]
[[sl:Hruška (rod)]]
[[pms:Prunus persica]]
[[sr:Крушка]]
[[sv:Päronsläktet]]
[[pl:Brzoskwinia zwyczajna]]
[[pt:Pessegueiro]]
[[tl:Peras]]
[[kaa:Shabdal]]
[[ta:பேரி]]
[[ro:Piersic]]
[[th:สาลี่]]
[[qu:Lurasnu]]
[[tr:Armut]]
[[ru:Персик]]
[[uk:Груша]]
[[sc:Pèssighe]]
[[ur:ناشپاتی]]
[[sco:Peach]]
[[vec:Perar]]
[[vi:Lê (chi thực vật)]]
[[scn:Pèrsicu]]
[[simple:Peach]]
[[wa:Poerî]]
[[sl:Breskev]]
[[zh-yue:梨]]
[[szl:Fyrzicha]]
[[bat-smg:Grūšė]]
[[ckb:قۆخ]]
[[zh:梨]]
[[sr:Бресква]]
[[fi:Persikka]]
[[sv:Persika]]
[[tl:Milokoton]]
[[th:ท้อ]]
[[to:Piisi]]
[[tr:Şeftali]]
[[uk:Персик]]
[[vec:Persegaro]]
[[vi:Đào (cây)]]
[[wa:Pexhî]]
[[zh-classical:桃]]
[[zh:桃]]

Revision as of 18:41, 31 August 2011

"Pyrus" redirects here. For other uses, see Pyrus (disambiguation).
For other uses, see Peach (disambiguation).

Pears
European Pear branch with fruit
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Rosales
Family:
Rosaceae
Subfamily:
Maloideae or Spiraeoideae [1]
Tribe:
Pyreae[1]
Genus:
Pyrus

Species

About 30 species; see text

The pear is a fruit tree of genus Pyrus (/[invalid input: 'icon']ˈpaɪrəs/) and also the name of the tree's edible pomaceous fruit.[2] The pear is classified in subtribe Pyrinae within tribe Pyreae and is a perennial. The apple (Malus domestica), which it resembles in floral structure, is also a member of this subcategory.

The English word “pear” is probably from Common West Germanic pera, probably a loanword of Vulgar Latin pira, the plural of pirum, akin to Greek ἄπιος apios (from Mycenaean ápisos), which is likely of Semitic origin. The place name Perry and Pharisoulopol can indicate the historical presence of pear trees. The term "pyriform" is sometimes used to describe something which is "pear-shaped".

History

Callery Pears in flower
Pear, "La France" (Japan)
Bartlett pears (European type) ready to pick
Pear blossoms
Another image of pear blossoms
Clapps Favorite (a European type), perfect for picking

The cultivation of the pear in cool temperate climates extends to the remotest antiquity, and there is evidence of its use as a food since prehistoric times. Many traces of it have been found in the Swiss lake-dwellings. The word “pear”, or its equivalent, occurs in all the Celtic languages, while in Slavonic and other dialects differ in appellations, but still referring to the same thing, are found—a diversity and multiplicity of nomenclature which led Alphonse de Candolle to infer a very ancient cultivation of the tree from the shores of the Caspian to those of the Atlantic.

Pears grow in the sublime orchard of Alcinous, in Odyssey vii: "Therein grow trees, tall and luxuriant, pears and pomegranates and apple-trees with their bright fruit, and sweet figs, and luxuriant olives. Of these the fruit perishes not nor fails in winter or in summer, but lasts throughout the year."

The pear was also cultivated by the Romans, who did not eat them raw[citation needed]: Pliny's Natural History recommended stewing them with honey and noted three dozen varieties. The Roman cookbook attributed to Apicius, De re coquinaria, has a recipe for a spiced, stewed-pear patina, or soufflé.[3]

A certain race of pears, with white down on the under surface of their leaves, is supposed to have originated from P. nivalis, and their fruit is chiefly used in France in the manufacture of perry (see also cider). Other small-fruited pears, distinguished by their early ripening and apple-like fruit, may be referred to P. cordata, a species found wild in western France, and in Devon and Cornwall. Pears have been cultivated in China for approximately 3000 years.

The genus is thought to have originated in present-day western China in the foothills of the Tian Shan, a mountain range of Central Asia, and to have spread to the north and south along mountain chains, evolving into a diverse group of over 20 widely recognized primary species [citation needed]. The enormous number of varieties of the cultivated European pear (Pyrus communis subsp. communis), are without doubt derived from one or two wild subspecies (P. communis subsp. pyraster and P. communis subsp. caucasica), widely distributed throughout Europe, and sometimes forming part of the natural vegetation of the forests. In England, where an ancient pear tree gave its name to[citation needed] Pirio (Perry Barr, a district of Birmingham) in Domesday, the pear is sometimes considered wild; there is always the doubt that it may not really be so, but the produce of some seed of a cultivated tree deposited by birds or otherwise, which has germinated as a wild-form spine-bearing tree. Court accounts of Henry III of England record pears shipped from Rochelle and presented to the King by the Sheriffs of London. The French names of pears grown in English medieval gardens suggests that their reputation, at the least, was French; a favored variety in the accounts was named for Saint Rule or Regul', bishop of Senlis.[4]

Asian species with medium to large edible fruit include P. pyrifolia, P. ussuriensis, P. × bretschneideri, P. × sinkiangensis, and P. pashia. Other small-fruited species are frequently used as rootstocks for the cultivated forms.

Botany

Pears are native to coastal and mildly temperate regions of the Old World, from western Europe and north Africa east right across Asia. They are medium-sized trees, reaching 10–17 m tall, often with a tall, narrow crown; a few species are shrubby. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple, 2–12 cm long, glossy green on some species, densely silvery-hairy in some others; leaf shape varies from broad oval to narrow lanceolate. Most pears are deciduous, but one or two species in southeast Asia are evergreen. Most are cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures between −25 °C and −40 °C in winter, except for the evergreen species, which only tolerate temperatures down to about −15 °C. The flowers are white, rarely tinted yellow or pink, 2–4 cm diameter, and have five petals.[5] Like that of the related apple, the pear fruit is a pome, in most wild species 1–4 cm diameter, but in some cultivated forms up to 18 cm long and 8 cm broad; the shape varies in most species from oblate or globose, to the classic pyriform 'pear-shape' of the European Pear with an elongated basal portion and a bulbous end.

The fruit is composed of the receptacle or upper end of the flower-stalk (the so-called calyx tube) greatly dilated. Enclosed within its cellular flesh is the true fruit: five cartilaginous carpels, known colloquially as the "core". From the upper rim of the receptacle are given off the five sepals[vague], the five petals, and the very numerous stamens.

The pear is very similar to the apple in cultivation, propagation and pollination. The pear and the apple are also related to the quince.

Pears and apples cannot always be distinguished by the form of the fruit; some pears look very much like some apples. One major difference is that the flesh of pear fruit contains stone cells (also called "grit"). Pear trees and apple trees do have several visible differences.

According to Pear Bureau Northwest, there are about 3000 known varieties of pears grown worldwide. In the United States only 10 heirloom varieties are widely recognized: Green Bartlett, Red Bartlett, Bosc, Green Anjou, Red Anjou, Comice, Forelle, Seckel, Concorde, and Starkrimson. [6]

Major recognized taxa

Vicar of Winkfield pear, a heritage variety, no longer commonly found, British Columbia, Canada
Pears are sometimes eaten dried

Ecology

In the wild, some species such as the Iberian pear are dispersed by mammals and some birds.[7]

Cultivation

The pear is frequently raised by sowing the pips (seeds) of ordinary cultivated or of wild kinds, these forming what are known as free or pear stocks, on which the choicer varieties are grafted for increase. Both quince and clonally-produced pear rootstocks are also used for Pyrus communis orchards. For new varieties the flowers can be cross-bred to preserve or combine desirable traits. The fruit of the pear is produced on spurs, which appear on shoots more than one year old.[citation needed]

Three species account for the vast majority of edible fruit production, the European Pear Pyrus communis subsp. communis cultivated mainly in Europe and North America, the Chinese white pear (bai li) Pyrus ×bretschneideri, and the Nashi Pear Pyrus pyrifolia (also known as Asian Pear or Apple Pear), both grown mainly in eastern Asia. There are thousands of cultivars of these three species. A species grown in western China, P. sinkiangensis, and P. pashia, grown in southern China and south Asia, are also produced to a lesser degree.

Other species are used as rootstocks for European and Asian pears and as ornamental trees. The Siberian Pear, Pyrus ussuriensis (which produces unpalatable fruit) has been crossed with Pyrus communis to breed hardier pear cultivars. The Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford') in particular has become widespread in North America and is used only as an ornamental tree, as well as a blight-resistant rootstock for Pyrus communis fruit orchards. The Willow-leafed Pear (Pyrus salicifolia) is grown for its attractive slender, densely silvery-hairy leaves.

Harvest

Summer and autumn cultivars of Pyrus communis, being Climacteric fruits are gathered before they are fully ripe, while they are still green, but snap off when lifted. In the case of the 'Passe Crassane', long the favored winter pear in France, the crop should is traditionally gathered at three different times: the first a fortnight or more before it is ripe, the second a week or ten days after that, and the third when fully ripe. The first gathering will come into eating last, and thus the season of the fruit may be considerably prolonged.

Nashi pears are allowed to ripen on the tree.

Diseases and pests

Main articles: List of pear diseases and List of Lepidoptera that feed on pear trees

Production

Pear and quince output in 2005
Top ten pear producers
Country Production (tonnes) Footnote
 People's Republic of China 12,625,000 F
 Italy 840,516
 United States 799,180
 Spain 537,400
 Argentina 520,000 F
 South Korea 425,000 F
 Turkey 349,420
 Japan 325,000 F
 South Africa 325,000 F
 Netherlands 224,000 F
World 20,105,683 A
No symbol = official figure, P = official figure, F = FAO estimate, * = Unofficial/Semi-official/mirror data, C = Calculated figure A = Aggregate (may include official, semi-official, or estimates);

Source: Food And Agricultural Organization of United Nations: Economic And Social Department: The Statistical Division

Storage

Pears may be stored at room temperature until ripe.[8] Pears are ripe when flesh around stem gives to gentle pressure.[8] Ripe pears are optimally stored refrigerated, uncovered in a single layer, where they have a shelf life of 2 to 3 days.[8]

Uses

Gieser Wildeman simmered in red wine.

Pears are consumed fresh, canned, as juice, and dried. The juice can also be used in jellies and jams, usually in combination with other fruits or berries. Fermented pear juice is called perry or pear cider.

Pears ripen at room temperature. They will ripen faster if placed next to bananas in a fruit bowl.[9] Refrigeration will slow further ripening. Pear Bureau Northwest offers tips on ripening and judging ripeness: Although the skin on Bartlett pears changes from green to yellow as they ripen, most varieties show little color change as they ripen. Because pears ripen from the inside out, the best way to judge ripeness is to "Check the Neck." To Check the Neck for ripeness, apply gentle thumb pressure to the neck, or stem end of the pear. If it yields to gentle pressure, then the pear is ripe, sweet, and juicy. If it is firm, leave pear at room temperature and Check the Neck daily for ripeness. Source: Pear Bureau Northwest

The culinary or cooking pear is green but dry and hard and only edible after several hours of cooking. Two Dutch cultivars are "Gieser Wildeman" and "Saint Remy". They are traditionally stewed in wine with spices and served both warm and cold.[10]

Pear wood is one of the preferred materials in the manufacture of high-quality woodwind instruments and furniture. It is also used for wood carving, and as a firewood to produce aromatic smoke for smoking meat or tobacco. Pear wood is valued for kitchen spoons, scoops and stirrers, as it does not contaminate food with color, flavor or smell and resists warping and splintering despite repeated soaking and drying cycles. Lincoln describes it as "a fairly tough, very stable wood... (used for) carving... brushbacks, umbrella handles, measuring instruments such as set squares and T-squares... recorders... violin and guitar fingerboards and piano keys... decorative veneering." Pearwood is the favored wood for architect's rulers because it does not warp. It is similar to the wood of its relative, the apple tree, (Pyrus malus [also called Malus domestica]) and used for many of the same purposes.[11]

Pear leaves were smoked in Europe before tobacco was introduced.[12][13]

Health benefits

Pear, raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy242 kJ (58 kcal)
15.46 g
Sugars9.80 g
Dietary fiber3.1 g
0 g
0.38 g
Vitamins and minerals
VitaminsQuantity
%DV†
Thiamine (B1)
1%
0.012 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
2%
0.025 mg
Niacin (B3)
1%
0.157 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
1%
0.048 mg
Vitamin B6
2%
0.028 mg
Folate (B9)
2%
7 μg
Vitamin C
5%
4.2 mg
MineralsQuantity
%DV†
Calcium
1%
9 mg
Iron
1%
0.17 mg
Magnesium
2%
7 mg
Phosphorus
1%
11 mg
Potassium
4%
119 mg
Zinc
1%
0.10 mg
†Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[14] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[15]

Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber and a good source of Vitamin C. According to the FDA's final rule dated July 25, 2006 "Food Labeling; Guidelines for Voluntary Nutrition Labeling of Raw Fruits, Vegetables, and Fish," the nutritional content of a medium-sized fresh pear weighing 166g/5.9oz is as follows:

Calories 100
Calories from fat: 0
Total fat: 0g/0%
Saturated fat: 0g/0%
Trans fat: 0g/0%
Cholesterol: 0 mg/0%
Sodium: 0 mg/0%
Potassium: 190 mg/5%
Total carbohydrate: 26 mg/9%
Dietary Fiber: 6g/24%
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 0%
Vitamin C: 10%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 0%

Pears are less allergenic than many other fruits, and pear juice is therefore sometimes used as the first juice introduced to infants.[16] However, caution is recommended for all fruit juice consumption by infants as studies have suggested a link between excessive fruit juice consumption and reduced nutrient intake as well as a tendency towards obesity.[17] Pears are low in salicylates and benzoates and are therefore recommended in exclusion diets for allergy sufferers.[18] Along with lamb and rice, pears may form part of the strictest exclusion diet for allergy sufferers[19]

Pears can be useful in treating inflammation of mucous membranes, colitis, chronic gallbladder disorders, arthritis, and gout. Pears can also be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure, controlling blood cholesterol levels, and increasing urine acidity.

In ancient Greece, pears were used to treat nausea.

Most of the fiber is insoluble, making pears a good laxative. The gritty fiber content may cut down on the number of cancerous colon polyps. Most of the vitamin C, as well as the dietary fiber, is contained within the skin of the fruit.[20]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Potter, D.; et al. (2007). "Phylogeny and classification of Rosaceae". Plant Systematics and Evolution. 266 (1–2): 5–43. doi:10.1007/s00606-007-0539-9. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  2. ^ Sunset Western Garden Book (6th ed.). Menlo Park, Calif.: Sunset Pub. Corp. 1995. pp. 606–607. ISBN 978-0-376-03851-7.
  3. ^ Sally Grainger; Christopher Grocock (2006). Apicius (with an introd. and an Engl. transl.) (Critical ed.). Blackawton, Totnes: Prospect Books. p. IV.2.35. ISBN 978-1-903018-13-2.
  4. ^ Evelyn Cecil (July 2006). A History of Gardening in England. Kessinger Publishing. pp. 35 ff. ISBN 978-1-4286-3680-4. Retrieved 12 April 2011.
  5. ^ http://www.bouquetoffruits.com/fruit-facts/pear-facts.html [dead link]
  6. ^ Pear Varieties. usapears.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-12.
  7. ^ Fedriani, JM and Delibes, M. 2009. "Seed dispersal in the Iberian pear, Pyrus bourgaeana: A role for infrequent mutualists." Ecoscience 16: 311-321.
  8. ^ a b c Canadian Produce Marketing Association > Home Storage Guide for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Retrieved August 2010
  9. ^ Judy Scott; David Sugar (2011 [last update]). "Pears can be ripened to perfection". extension.oregonstate.edu. Retrieved August 30, 2011. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  10. ^ Dutch stewed pears. Davesgarden.com. Retrieved on 2011-04-12.
  11. ^ Lincoln, William (1986). World Woods in Color. Fresno, California, USA: Linden Publishing Co. Inc.. pp. 33, 207. ISBN 0-941936-20-1.
  12. ^ Info Tabac: histoire du tabac, accessed 3 June 2010. Template:Fr icon
  13. ^ Bertrand Dautzenberg (no date). Epidémiologie des maladies liées au tabac, accessed 3 June 2010. Template:Fr icon
  14. ^ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  15. ^ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee to Review the Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (2019). Oria, Maria; Harrison, Meghan; Stallings, Virginia A. (eds.). Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. The National Academies Collection: Reports funded by National Institutes of Health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press (US). ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. PMID 30844154. Archived from the original on 2024-05-09. Retrieved 2024-06-21.
  16. ^ "The wonder of pears". FreeDiets.
  17. ^ Patricia Queen Samour; Kathy King Helm; Carol E. Lang (1999). Handbook of Pediatric Nutrition. Jones & Bartlett Learning. pp. 89–. ISBN 978-0-7637-3305-6. Retrieved 12 April 2011.
  18. ^ Gibson, AR; Clancy, RL (1978). "An Australian exclusion diet" (PDF). The Medical Journal of Australia. 1 (5): 290–292. PMID 661687.
  19. ^ A. Morris 2008 A Guide to Suspected Food Allergy, Surrey Allergy Clinic, U. K.
  20. ^ Phyllis A. Balch (13 May 2003). Prescription for Dietary Wellness. Penguin. pp. 67–. ISBN 978-1-58333-147-7. Retrieved 12 April 2011.

Public Domain This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

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