La Nouvelle République today carries a report on the AGM of the Museum of the Poire Tapée in Rivarennes, a small town about 10 kilometres north-west of Azay-le-Rideau.
Poires tapées or dried and compressed pears are a traditional speciality of this part of Touraine. The hey-day of production was in the second half of the 19th century and into the early part of the 20th century. Subsequently the poire tapée trade declined rapidly and virtually disappeared but has recently been revived, albeit on a much reduced scale. It was a way of preserving pears and also apples, which can be treated in the same way.
Poires tapées or dried and compressed pears are a traditional speciality of this part of Touraine. The hey-day of production was in the second half of the 19th century and into the early part of the 20th century. Subsequently the poire tapée trade declined rapidly and virtually disappeared but has recently been revived, albeit on a much reduced scale. It was a way of preserving pears and also apples, which can be treated in the same way.
The pears or apples are cored, dried in ovens for four days and then squashed flat. They can be served as an accompaniment at various stages of the meal from first course through to dessert.
As well as the site for the museum, there is also a reasonably informative site: Poires Tapées à l'Ancienne, run by Christine and Yves Herin, producers in Rivarennes. It would be good if their site said more about the history of the trade in its hey-day as it was obviously a very considerable local industry. I'll have to get over to see them.
Musée de la Poire Tapée, (contact: Mme Thibault)
7 Chemin de la Buronnière, 37190 Rivarennes
Téléphone : 02.47.95.47.78
Email: musee.poiretapee@wanadoo.fr
Adult: 3€
Opening hours: April to 14th June and September – 14.00-18.30 (closed Monday); 15th June to 31st August 10.00-12.30 and 14.00-18.30 (every day)
Poires Tapées à l'Ancienne
Christine & Yves Herin
14 Rue de Quincay - 37190 Rivarannes
Téléphone / Fax: 02.47. 95.45.19
E-mail: info@poirestapees.com
As well as the site for the museum, there is also a reasonably informative site: Poires Tapées à l'Ancienne, run by Christine and Yves Herin, producers in Rivarennes. It would be good if their site said more about the history of the trade in its hey-day as it was obviously a very considerable local industry. I'll have to get over to see them.
Musée de la Poire Tapée, (contact: Mme Thibault)
7 Chemin de la Buronnière, 37190 Rivarennes
Téléphone : 02.47.95.47.78
Email: musee.poiretapee@wanadoo.fr
Adult: 3€
Opening hours: April to 14th June and September – 14.00-18.30 (closed Monday); 15th June to 31st August 10.00-12.30 and 14.00-18.30 (every day)
Poires Tapées à l'Ancienne
Christine & Yves Herin
14 Rue de Quincay - 37190 Rivarannes
Téléphone / Fax: 02.47. 95.45.19
E-mail: info@poirestapees.com
