Williams pear facts for kids
The Williams' bon chretien pear, often called the Williams pear, is a very popular type of pear. In the U.S. and Canada, it's known as the Bartlett pear. This pear is grown more than any other type in most countries outside of Asia.
It's a summer pear, meaning it ripens in warmer months. It doesn't handle very cold weather as well as some other pears. People often eat Williams pears fresh. They also keep their shape well when cooked, so they are a common choice for canned pears or other processed pear products like juice.
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Where Did the Williams Pear Come From?
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The Williams pear first appeared in England between 1765 and 1770. It grew in the garden of a schoolmaster named Mr. Stair or Mr. Wheeler in a town called Aldermaston. Because of this, it was sometimes called the Aldermaston pear or Stairs pear.
Later, a plant seller named Mr. Williams got this pear variety. He helped introduce it to other parts of England. That's why it became known as the Williams Pear. Its full name, Williams' Bon Chretien, means "Williams' good Christian" in French.
How the Bartlett Pear Got Its Name
In 1799, some Williams pear trees were brought to the United States by James Carter. They were planted in Massachusetts. Later, a man named Enoch Bartlett bought the land where these trees were growing. He didn't know the pears already had a name. So, he named them after himself, calling them Bartlett pears.
It wasn't until 1828 that people realized the Bartlett pear and the Williams pear were the same. By then, the Bartlett pear was already very popular in the U.S. and Canada. Even today, it's still known as the Bartlett pear there. However, this pear actually has about 150 different names around the world!
All About the Williams Pear Tree
Pear trees can produce fruit for a long time, usually between 50 to 75 years. Some trees can even keep producing fruit for over 100 years!
- Height: These trees typically grow to be 15 to 20 feet tall. They spread out a little less than their height.
- Flowers: Williams pear trees have beautiful white flowers. These flowers grow in clusters called corymbs.
- Blooming Time: The flowers usually appear in April or May.
- Fruit: The pears are large with golden yellow skin. They often have a brownish-red blush. They have the classic pear shape and smooth, white flesh inside.
- Harvest Time: Pears are usually picked from mid-August to mid-September. The exact time depends on where the tree is grown in the world.
- Leaves: The leaves are simple and glossy green. They grow alternately on the branches and are about 3 inches long. They are thick with slightly curved edges and have small teeth along their sides.
- Elevation: These trees grow best at elevations between 1,000 and 5,000 feet.
- Habitat: You'll find Williams pear trees in orchards and used in landscaping.
How Williams Pears Are Used
Williams pears are very versatile. They are used in many ways, from fresh eating to making special drinks.
Pear Production in the U.S.
In 1985, Williams pears made up 80% of all pears grown in the U.S. By 2004, this number dropped to 50%. This change happened because other types of pears, like d'Anjou and Bosc pears, became more popular. These other pears are winter pears, meaning they can handle cold weather better than the Williams pear.
The "Canning Tradition" of Williams Pears
Even though more pears are sold fresh in the U.S. than processed, Williams pears are the top choice for canning. They are used to make canned pear halves, pear puree, and most pear juice and nectar in the U.S. About two-thirds of all Williams pears grown are used for processing. Williams pears are famous as the "canning pear" because of their "great flavor and sweetness." This makes them perfect for many processed products.
Poire Williams: A Special Drink
The Williams pear is also used to make a clear fruit brandy called Poire Williams. This drink is popular in some parts of Europe.
Images for kids
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French red and green varieties of Williams pears.
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A bottle of pear brandy made from Williams pears.
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See also
In Spanish: Williams' Bon Chretien (pera) para niños
