Cultivated pears are an integral part of many gardens. But hardly anyone knows that the numerous varieties descend from one wild pear. This grows in the forests and develops fruits that are only edible after processing.
The wild pear only tastes good when it is overripe
Look
Wild pears can grow in tree or shrub form depending on the amount of light. They develop a curved trunk that ends in a spreading crown. From April to May they bear pure white flowers on the still leafless and weakly thorny branches. Foliage sprout shortly after flowering. The leaves have long stalks and are rounded to heart-shaped. In late summer, brownish to yellowish fruits develop that are four to six centimeters long.
blossoms
When the wild pear blossoms, it means it's time to harvest. As a side dish, the buds enrich wild herb salads. They can be used to prepare teas or lemonades with wild herbs. The buds taste mild and are suitable for sweet surprises. Sprinkle the closed blossoms with sugar water and candy them on a tray in the oven at low heat.
fruit
The pears are rich in tannins, pectin and fruit acids. Their taste is tart-sour and has an astringent effect. They only lose their bitter tannins and fruit acids when they are overripe or after the first frosts. Their consistency becomes mealy. To speed up this process and make the fruit edible, the fruit can be dried and baked.
The wild pear is not suitable for the production of wine and must, as it quickly loses its fruit acid and the consistency changes. Together with cultivated pears or apples, wild pears can be processed into brandy and vinegar.
usage in the past
In the past, the wild pear, dried or baked, was a nutritious food. Twenty-five pounds of wild pear pits were pressed and processed into three pounds of cooking oil. Syrup was made from the juice of the pears, which was used as a sugar substitute. It was also used as a remedy for diarrhea. The wild pear has been attributed healing effects on migraines.
Wild pears were used at
- toothache
- gout
- consumption
- detoxification of the body
- inflammation of the renal pelvis