Beurré Hardenponnt
Beurré Hardenponnt is known in Georgia under the name of „komsha msqali“, what means in Georgian quince, the name of this pear deriving from its resemblance with the fruit of the quince. Beurré Hardenpont is common in many regions. There are continuous plantations in High Karthli and in the Gorge of Ksani. In other districts only single trees of Beurré Hardenpont are scattered in the orchards among other fruit trees.
Fruit large or of medium size; surface knobbed, ribbed. Skin smooth, at harvest maturity pale green, when fully ripe yellow, slightly blushed on the sunny side, scattered with grayish brown dots.
Flesh white, very tender, buttery, melting, sweet, juicy, aromatic slightly acid. As to the quality of flavor the pears of Beurré Hardenpont belong to the number of best dessert sort. They keep after picking a month and a half or two months, progressively maturating during storage, ship well, are not subjected to scab, ripen for use in December-January.
The tree grows vigorously; in habit and vegetation resembles the wild pear; succeeds well on vigorous and on weak stocks; when young suffers from frost, later on becomes cold resistant; blooming late, flowers self-sterile; bearing late, fruiting heavy; fruits do not drop easily, often set on twigs.
The tree is rather requisitive to environment. Only on rich, structured soils Beurré Hardenpont succeeds well and gives fruits of a high quality, white under unsuitable environmental conditions they become granulated, rich in tannins. Pruning must be given moderately.
The excellent flavor of its fruits makes Beurré Hardenpont fall into the class of first rate dessert sorts.
It is a very valuable commercial sort for Eastern Georgia. In young orchards it is allowed at the rate of 5-10%.
