In my Grandparents orchard, in Ringmer, Sussex, were fruit trees of all descriptions.
Apple trees – Granny Smiths, Russets, Coxs and red ‘eaters’. Plum trees – damsons and Golden Victorias. Pear trees – Conference and Williams. As well as all the brambles and currant varieties.
All through my life, there have been fruit trees in our gardens – even here in Africa we have had Guava, Avocado, Paw paw and banana.
Halfway down my daughters’ garden, amongst the apples and damsons, there is a lone Conference pear tree.
A couple of years ago, it was falling over and only had two pears on it.
A friend propped it up and now, two years later, it was laden with beautiful juicy fruit. You can see the prop on the right in the first photo.
These were picked with great joy.
I stewed some with dates for my breakfast each day.
Recipe
Peel 2 or 3 pears, cut them into bite size pieces, and cut up three good Medjool dates.
Place in a small saucepan with enough water to allow for simmering and half a teaspoon of ginger. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
Cool and eat as is, or, as I do with a good dollop of real Coconut Yogurt.
Others have been given away, or stored for future eating.
