Oily pear

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'Ölligsbirne' on the pear avenue near Hennef-Söven
Fruits of the 'oil pear'
The typical twisted trunk and the bark of an 'oil pear'

The Ölligsbirne is an old Rhenish regional variety of the cultivated pear ( Pyrus communis ). Other synonymous names are Öllichsbirne or Ollechsbirne . The name comes from the Rhenish "Öllisch" or "Öllich" for " onion " and refers to the shape of the fruit.

Origin and Distribution

The exact origin of the 'Ölligsbirne' is not known. It is most widespread today in the Rhein-Sieg district , where old trees still stand individually in orchards , in avenues and gardens. For example, some of the old trees in a pear avenue that characterizes the landscape near Hennef-Söven , along with other regional varieties such as the ' Rheinbirne ', consist of 'Ölligsbirnen'. It can also be found in the Ahrweiler district and near Trier , and it is likely to be found a little further up the Rhine.

description

Appearance

The 'Ölligsbirne' growing very strong and can be large, imposing trees with hochkugeliger treetop grow. The treetop is dense and has many strong, steep side branches, mostly without forming a dominant central trunk. The twisted trunk with a coarse bark , which distinguishes it from most other pear varieties, is striking . Old trees are also very vital and form strong new shoots after they have been cut. The trees can live well over 100 years, and an age of up to 200 years cannot be ruled out for individual old trees.

Variety characteristics

Compared to other pear varieties, the 'Ölligsbirne' flowers rather late. The variety 'Ölligsbirne' is not susceptible to scab and fruit tree cancer .

fruit

The small, long-stemmed fruits are variably shaped, from top-shaped to spherical to flattened, often also misshapen. When ripe they are light green to yellow, on the sunny side they turn reddish brown. The fruits are firm and only sensitive to pressure as they ripen. The firm, white-greenish flesh is juicy, sweet and aromatic, and at the same time contains tannic acid . The dry, velvety rough skin is a bit annoying when eaten. The ripe fruits fall from the tree, so that they do not have to be picked, but only to be collected. If stored in a cool place, the fruits can be kept until spring.

use

The 'Ölligsbirne' is a commercial fruit, the fruits of which were previously mainly processed into pear cabbage . Like apple cabbage , pear cabbage was a Rhenish specialty that has largely been forgotten today. Of the once many herb factories (“patschen”) in the Rhineland , only a few have remained. It is also suitable as a cooking pear , and the fruits can also be used to make a good fruit brandy .

conservation

The nature and environmental protection organizations in the distribution region, in particular the Biological Station in Rhein-Sieg-Kreis e., Endeavor to preserve the 'Ölligsbirne' variety. V. Old trees are being tended again and new ones are being planted. The public should also be made aware of old types of fruit such as the 'Ölligsbirne'; these are now also available again in some tree nurseries. By planting new trees and caring for old ones, as well as using the fruits, everyone can make a contribution to preserving old types of fruit.

Pear avenue near Hennef-Söven

The 1.6 km long pear avenue between Söven and Blankenbach near Hennef can already be seen in aerial photos from 1934. Some of the trees are estimated to be around 200 years old.

See also

Literature and Sources