The Bartlett or Williams’ Bon Chrétien

The Bartlett pear is known by several names: the Williams’ pear, the Williams’ Bon Chrétien pear, and the Williams’ Good Christian, among others. The first of this cultivar was found growing in the yard of an English schoolteacher in the mid to late 1700s. The variety is large and possesses a smooth skin. It is supple and luscious and lends itself well to dessert making. The Bartlett is green while immature, but upon reaching maturity, the fruit ripens into a golden yellow color or, in some instances, develops into a deep red color.