Although genetically the same species as culinary pears, Pyrus communis, they are a distinct category of pears cultivated for producing perry. Most perry pears cultivars are century old varieties found and then selected and brought on for their flavour characteristics. Like apples they do not grow true to form from seeds but need to be grafted. Most are found in Western Europe, with the strongest traditions rooted in the Three Counties of England (Gloucestershire Herefordshire and Worcestershire) and the Domfrontais region of Normandy, France. The fruit is distinguished by a high tannin content, pronounced acidity from citric as well as malic acid; and notable levels of sorbitol,as well as glucose and fructose, which collectively provide structure, body, and a characteristic off dryness to the finished drink. The aromatic profile of perry is complex, typically revealing notes of pear blossom, citrus zest, and subtle earthy spice, with a crisp, refreshing finish. #perry

Found this old secondhand enamel badge of Worcester. Tradition has it that it was during the visit of Queen Elizabeth I in 1575 to Worcester that she saw a black pear tree planted in the Foregate in her honour and had it added to the city's coat of arms. The iconic Worcester Black Pear appears today in many places such as the city coat of arms. The earliest reference is pears associated with a crest of the Worcestershire Bowmen, depicting a pear tree laden with fruit on their banners at the battle of Agincourt in 1415 in Michael Drayton’s 1606 poem The Battaile of Agincourt “Wor’ster a pear tree laden with its fruit”. Michael was a prominent English poet of the Elizabethan, Jacobean, and Carolean eras. Best known for his massive historical and geographical poems, he was a contemporary of William Shakespeare.