Have you ever seen a beautiful bottle containing a perfectly shaped pear inside and wondered, How do they get the pear in the bottle? It looks like magic, but it’s actually a clever horticultural technique combined with patience and care. This age-old method is used not only to create stunning visual curiosities but also to produce exquisite pear brandies or liqueurs. Let’s dive into how this intriguing process works and how you can try it yourself!
The Secret: Growing the Pear Inside the Bottle
The pear inside the bottle is not inserted after it’s grown; instead, the bottle is placed over the pear while it is still tiny and attached to the tree. The pear then grows inside the bottle, expanding to fill the space as it matures. This technique requires timing, precision, and a bit of nurturing.
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose the Right Bottle and Pear Variety
The first step is selecting a suitable glass bottle. For larger pears like the Doyenné du Comice, a full-bellied bottle is necessary, while smaller varieties such as Williams’ Bon Chrétien fit well in regular wine bottles. The bottle needs a narrow neck to slide over the young pear but enough room inside for the fruit to grow comfortably.
- Start Early: Place the Bottle Over the Young Pear
As soon as the pear blossoms have been pollinated and the fruit begins to form, the bottle is carefully slid over the tiny pear still attached to the branch. This must be done early in the fruit’s development when it is small enough to fit through the bottle’s neck.
- Secure the Bottle on the Tree
The bottle is tied securely to the tree branch with string. It is usually hung upside down or at an angle to allow moisture to drain out and prevent rot. The branch with the pear inside the bottle must be supported carefully to avoid breaking under the combined weight of the fruit and bottle. Other leaves and pears on the same branch are trimmed away to give the pear inside the bottle enough space and to reduce the risk of disease or pests.
- Protect the Growing Pear
To avoid damage from excessive sunlight, the bottle is often wrapped in a thin white horticultural fleece. A loose plug of gauze or muslin is placed in the bottle’s neck to allow air circulation while keeping insects out.
- Wait Patiently for the Pear to Mature
Over the growing season, the pear inside the bottle swells to full size. The fruit eventually ripens and naturally detaches from the branch inside the bottle. This can take several months, depending on the pear variety and growing conditions.
- Harvest and Prepare the Bottle
Once ripe, the branch is carefully cut to harvest the bottle with the pear inside. The bottle and pear are cleaned gently with cooled boiled water to remove dirt and potential contaminants without damaging the fruit. The bottle is then ready to be filled with pear brandy or liqueur if desired.
Why Do They Grow Pears in Bottles?
This technique is more than just a neat party trick. It is traditionally used to create eau de vie de poire (pear brandy), a delicacy where the pear inside the bottle infuses the spirit with its natural flavor. The visual appeal of the pear trapped inside the bottle also makes it a unique gift or collector’s item.
Interestingly, the presence of the pear inside the bottle does not significantly alter the flavor of the brandy. The pear’s waxy skin likely prevents the alcohol from penetrating deeply, and the distilled spirit itself already carries the essence of the fruit.
Tips for Success
– Choose a healthy “king pear”: This is the main pear on a branch that will be allowed to grow inside the bottle. Other fruits on the branch should be removed early to focus the tree’s energy on the pear inside the bottle.
– Ensure proper ventilation and drainage: Hanging the bottle upside down or at an angle helps moisture escape, preventing rot inside the bottle.
– Support the bottle and branch well: Use string and nearby branches to support the weight and prevent damage.
– Protect from pests and harsh sunlight: Use gauze to keep insects out and horticultural fleece to shield from too much sun.
A Unique Blend of Nature and Craftsmanship
Growing a pear inside a bottle is a beautiful example of how nature and human ingenuity can come together to create something truly special. It requires patience, care, and a bit of horticultural know-how, but the result is a stunning visual and culinary delight.
Whether you want to impress guests with a conversation starter or craft your own pear-infused liqueur, this technique offers a rewarding project that connects you with traditional fruit-growing artistry.
Give it a try, and you might soon have your very own pear in a bottle to admire and enjoy!
The pear in the bottle is grown by placing a glass bottle over a young pear on the tree and securing it so the pear grows inside the bottle until ripe. This careful process involves protecting the fruit, supporting the bottle, and eventually harvesting the pear inside the bottle for display or making pear brandy.