Williams' bon chrétien - Pyrus communis

The Williams pear, also known as the Bartlett pear in English-speaking countries, is an old favourite pear variety enjoyed worldwide. It originated in 18th century England, where a gardener named Williams popularised it. It quickly spread across Europe, especially in France, where it became one of the most widely grown pears. Its popularity comes from its sweet flavour and juicy flesh, making it a tasty and versatile fruit. Today, it is well known both for eating fresh and for turning into brandy or culinary products.

"Bon Chrétien" (Good Christian) is named after Francis of Paola, a holy man whom King Louis XI of France had called to his deathbed as a healer in 1483. Francis offered the king a pear seed from his native Calabria with instructions to plant and care. Hence the pear tree was called "Good Christian".

The Williams pear is thought to date from 1765 to 1770 from the yard of an Aldermaston, England, schoolmaster named John Stair, giving rise to the now-obscure synonyms 'Aldermaston' pear and 'Stairs' pear. A nurseryman named Williams later acquired the variety, and after introducing it to the rest of England, the pear became known as the Williams Pear. However, the pear's full name is Williams' Bon Chretien, or "Williams' good Christian."

In 1799 James Carter imported several Williams trees into the United States, and they were planted on the grounds of Thomas Brewer in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts estate was later acquired by Enoch Bartlett of Dorchester, Massachusetts. Unaware of their origin, Bartlett named the pears after himself and introduced the variety into the United States. It was not realised that Bartlett and Williams Pears were the same until 1828, when new trees arrived from Europe. By that time the Bartlett variety had become vastly popular in the United States, and they are still generally known as Bartlett pears in the US and Canada, although there are about 150 other synonyms worldwide.

The Williams pear is a fruit naturally rich in water, making it very hydrating. In terms of vitamins, it provides vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties, as well as B vitamins that support proper metabolism. Thanks to its soluble fibre content, the Williams pear helps with bowel movements and can help prevent constipation. The antioxidants in this fruit help protect cells against oxidative stress, which contributes to preventing certain chronic diseases. Plus, its water and potassium content help maintain good fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, which is good for heart health. Eating it regularly can therefore support both digestion and overall well-being.

Recipe: pastry pie with chocolate and pear

Ingredients:

1 roll of puff pastry

1 egg + 3 egg yolks

50g sugar

50g almond powder

200g dark chocolate

2 ripe Williams pears

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. Put the puff pastry in a tart tin. Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie. Whisk the eggs with the sugar and almonds, then add the melted chocolate and mix well. Spread it over the puff pastry. Peel and core the pears and cut into slices. Place the slices on the tart and bake until the puff pastry starts to brown.