Pears

General Information: With its bottom half a rounded bell shape that narrows markedly towards the stalk, this summer pipfruit is very distinctive looking with an almost apple-like taste all of its own. The pear also offers the crunchiness of an apple with the juiciness of a peach or nectarine. The variety grown by Webb’s Fruit is the William Bon Chretien, also known as the Bartlett Pear, thought to date back to the mid-1700s. This variety is great eating as well as popular for bottling. Pears originated in both Europe and Asia growing wild in prehistoric times.

Growing Conditions: The fruit crop of a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves in autumn, pear growth requires a period of winter chill making Central Otago a key growing region. Once spring arrives the delicate young leaves and flowers are sensitive to frosts. In Central Otago water sprinklers are used to very effectively prevent frost damage.

Food Values: Pears are literally bursting with health benefitting nutrients such as dietary fibre, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. The pear is also very low in calories with research suggesting it is among the least allergenic of all fruits.

William Bon Chretien (Early March)
First pear of the season. New Zealand's traditional bottling pear also great for eating (sometimes known as Bartlett).