“Trouser pear” named Fruit of the Year

The Swiss Trouser Pear is named after the clothing worn by the Papal Guard Fructus.ch

A variety of pear named after the trousers worn by the Swiss Guard at the Vatican has been named Fruit of the Year.

The so-called Swiss Trouser Pear is so named for its distinctive yellow, green and red colouring.

A table fruit, the trouser pear grows in warm climates and is usually harvested in late October or early November.

There are just two trouser pear trees remaining in Switzerland, both in canton St Gallen, according to Fructus, the association behind the award.

Fructus, a non-profit association whose mission is to preserve ancient fruit varieties, was founded in 1985 and established the Fruit of the Year award in 2008.