The practice of placing a full-sized pear inside a bottle of brandy is a fascinating and traditional method known as “Poire Prisonnière” (French for “imprisoned pear”). Here’s how it’s typically done:
Growing the Pear Inside the Bottle
1.Select the Pear Tree: Farmers choose a healthy pear tree and identify young pears that are just starting to grow.
2.Attach the Bottle: When the pears are small, the farmers carefully place a glass bottle over each pear while it is still on the tree. The bottle is often secured to the branch to ensure it stays in place as the pear grows.
3.Growth Process: The pear continues to grow inside the bottle throughout the season. The bottle protects the pear from pests and the elements, allowing it to develop fully within the glass enclosure.
4.Harvesting: Once the pear has reached its full size and ripeness, the farmers carefully cut the stem to detach the pear and the bottle from the tree.
Filling the Bottle with Brandy
1.Cleaning and Sanitizing: The bottle containing the pear is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to ensure it is free of any impurities.
2.Adding the Brandy: The bottle is then filled with high-quality brandy, completely immersing the pear. This not only preserves the pear but also infuses the brandy with a subtle fruit flavor.
3.Sealing the Bottle: Finally, the bottle is sealed with a cork or screw cap, ready to be aged and enjoyed.
Why Do It?
1.Aesthetic Appeal: The sight of a full-sized pear inside a bottle is visually striking and makes for a unique and impressive presentation.
2.Flavor Enhancement: The pear imparts a delicate and nuanced flavor to the brandy, enhancing its overall taste.
3.Tradition: This method is a time-honored tradition in regions known for both pear cultivation and brandy production.
It’s a meticulous and labor-intensive process, but the result is a beautiful and delicious bottle of brandy that is often considered a special gift or a collectible item.