With a history dating back over 300 years, the newly launched Pear Cornishgold™ by Frank P Matthews was originally discovered in Launceston, Cornwall.
First known as the Treburrow Pear, the tree stood in the kitchen garden of a historic farmhouse, where for centuries, this ancient tree thrived unnoticed, bearing fruit with a mellow sweetness and outstanding juicing qualities. In 2015, its hidden legacy was uncovered by renowned pomologist Dr. Joan Morgan, who was captivated by its unique character. DNA testing confirmed that it was unlike any other known variety.
Determined to preserve this remarkable pear for future generations, Frank P Matthews took grafts from the original tree, carefully propagating them into what is now known as Cornishgold™—named for its radiant golden fruit and its deep Cornish heritage.
Unlike traditional dessert pears, Cornishgold™ is prized for its juice, rich in flavour. The firm, golden fruit is ideal for eating, cooking, canning, and with a harvest period in late September, it has good storage potential until November. A reported highly resilient variety, it will thrive even in exposed locations. Self-fertile, Cornishgold™ is comparative trouble-free nature and available for domestic gardens as well as commercial growers.
“Cornishgold™ is more than just a new pear variety—it’s a piece of living history. The story behind it is truly fascinating, and we’re honoured to be the ones preserving and sharing this golden treasure. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves unique, heritage fruits with real character,” says, Stephanie Dunn James, Frank P Matthews.
Established in 1901, Frank P Matthews is a family run nursery and one of the largest tree nurseries in the UK. They grow over 600,000 container grown and bare root, fruit and ornamental trees every year for supply into garden centres, nurseries, mail order companies and commercial growers.