The Palabirne – a rarity from the Vinschgau

The Palabirne is often referred to as the Turkish Pear and is said to be particularly healthy. In popular language, it is also called the summer pharmacist pear and was indeed prescribed by pharmacists and doctors in the past. In the Vinschgau, the fruit finds perfect conditions to ripen optimally.

First Mention

The Palabirne was first mentioned in South Tyrol during the Vinschgau fruit tree census in 1755, where it was still called Pilli Palli pear at that time. Even today, the so-called “Palabirnbrot” is still made from the pear, for which bread dough is mixed with dried Palabirne slices.

History and Origin

The Palabirne came to Europe more than 400 years ago and over the centuries has carried various names. For example, it was called Apothekerbeer in Holland, while in Austria it was referred to as Pülibirne or in Bohemia as Woschitzke. The pear trees are frost-resistant and extremely robust, the fruits ripen in early September, and the harvest is relatively difficult as the branches are often brittle and the trees can grow over 20 meters high. After harvesting, the fruit only lasts about three weeks and therefore needs to be processed quickly. The pears are very juicy and have an aromatic sweet taste; moreover, their fiber content is very high, and they have a cleansing effect. Additionally, they contain a lot of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphate, have cancer-inhibiting properties, and also reduce cholesterol production in the liver. The old folk wisdom “When the Palabirne are ripe, the doctor has no work” clearly sums up their positive effects.

Vinschger Palabira Days

For several years now, the “Vinschger Palabira Days” have been held in Glurns, where one can engage with this unique fruit variety. During these days, visitors have the opportunity to taste various delicacies related to the pear; there are also cooking demonstrations and concerts on the program, as well as cultural hikes, lectures, cooking evenings, and fairy tale afternoons. The next “Vinschger Palabira Days” are expected to take place again from September 12 to 20, 2020.