Search locations or food
OR
Sign up
Williams Pear | Local Pear From Aldermaston, England | TasteAtlas

Williams pear

(Bartlett pear)

Williams is a type of pear that's native to Europe and it was discovered in Aldermaston, England, in 1765 by a schoolmaster named Mr. Stair, but a nurseryman named Williams acquired the variety later and introduced it to the rest of the country, hence the name.


In the United States, the same pear is known as the Bartlett. The pears are medium to large and they have thin skin that transforms from green to golden yellow as it ripens. The flesh is fine-grained, smooth, and juicy in texture, while the flavor is aromatic, tart, buttery, and sweet when fully ripe.


These pears are often used in baking, grilling, canning, and boiling, and they're suitable for raw and cooked applications such as savory dishes, desserts, and cocktails. Williams pears can be used to make spirits and they pair well with gorgonzola, garlic, onions, apples, honey, walnuts, and tomatoes.