While it may be a little early for a partridge in a pear tree, it is time enough for pears. There is no large commercial pear grower in Ireland, but I know David Llewellyn in Rush has grown pear for years and sold them locally. Pears take time to grow and fruit, anywhere between three and 10 years. However, they can then fruit for hundreds of years. It is said there are 300-year-old pear trees in England still bearing fruit. The saying "Plant pears for your heirs" is not altogether wrong.
The best varieties of pear to grow in Ireland are Conference, Concord and Doyenne du Comice. This is according to Andi Wilson, owner of the Westport-based specialist nursery Fruit and Nut. Perhaps this Christmas you can give someone a pear tree that they can watch grow and then gift to the next generation.
How to make sweet pickled pears
In a medium-sized pot, combine one litre of white wine vinegar with 1kg of sugar. Add the zest of a lemon with a pinch of cloves, peppercorns, allspice berries and a crushed cinnamon stick. Bring this mixture to the boil and then add 2kg of quartered and cored pears. I leave the skin on but you can peel it if you like. Simmer the pears until they are 90 per cent cooked. You can tell by inserting the tip of a sharp knife into the pear. It should offer a slight resistance.
Remove the pears from the heat. When they are cool, transfer them to a Kilner jar and keep in a dark, cool place. Alternatively, just keep them in the fridge.
