Featured Specialty Crop - Bartlett Pear
- christascott097
- Sep 19, 2018
- 2 min read
Bartlett Pear Facts & Trivia
Bartlett pears are the most popular variety of European pear, known scientifically as Pyrus communis, in the world. Pears are members of the rose, or Rosaceae family. In the United States, Bartlett pears are the first variety to be harvested during the fall season.
Bartlett pears are also known as the Williams, or Williams’ Bon Chrétien’ pear outside of the United States. They were discovered in England in 1765 and were introduced to the rest of England by a nurseryman named Williams. At the end of the 18th century Williams pear trees were imported to Massachusetts and planted on the Brewer estate. The estate was acquired by Enoch Bartlett, who later propagated and introduced the pear under his own name. Twenty-five years after it was introduced in the US, it was discovered that the Bartlett and the Williams were one in the same. Today, more than 95% of the pears sold in the United States are grown in Washington, Oregon or Northern California.
Why are Pears So Good For You?
Pears offer a good source of vitamin C, folate and dietary fiber. One medium-sized pear contains less than 100 calories. Most of the vitamin C in pears is in the skin, so pears should be eaten unpeeled. Providing some iron and potassium, pears contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps control cholesterol levels.
What does it look/taste like?
Bartlett pears are the only pears that have a “true” pear (or pyriform) shape and taste. The fruit’s color brightens as it ripens, which is a characteristic unique to Bartlett pears; most pears do not change color when ripe. At harvest they are a vibrant green, changing to yellow when ready to eat. When unripe, the texture can be gritty. The Bartlett pear has a distinct flavor and sweetness, its white flesh has a smooth, buttery texture.
How do you eat it?
Bartlett pears can be eaten fresh, out-of-hand, or paired with cheese.
They add a sweet flavor to salads and make excellent preserves, syrups, and chutneys.
Bartlett pears are known as the “canning pear” because they have a distinct flavor and sweetness which preserves well.
They make great additions to cakes, muffins, crisps and quick breads.
Bartlett pears are also delicious dried or sautéed to compliment pork dishes.
To ripen let sit at room temperature for a few days or in a paper bag to expedite the process, ripe Bartlett pears keep best in the refrigerator.
Information Adapted from specialtyproduce.com