Native to Central Asia, although traces of cultivation are believed to have been found in China around 4000 years BC. It seems that the Greeks were the first to appreciate this fruit and thereafter was adopted by the Romans.
It became widely appreciated in France under Louis the 14th whose gardener, Jean de la Quintinie, became famous for cultivating a number of varieties enjoyed by the king.

Nowadays more than 2000 varieties have been documented but only 10 commonly appear as commercial varieties in our market place.
Most of the pears marketed today originated during the last century and are the result of careful selections.

The main varieties that we can find all year round are :

• William/ Bartlett : English pear known in Europe under the name of Williams.
  Skin = from clear green to golden yellow,
  Flesh = white, aromatic and non-granular,
  These pears are considered to be very aromatic pears.
• Beurre Hardy :
  Skin = medium to large size with rough, bronzed russet on the skin,
  Flesh = tender and juicy with a delicious perfumed flavour.
• Passe Crassane : this is the long favoured winter pear in France that has excellent shelf life.
  It is a big, round pear with a thick skin. The flesh is white, slightly granular, very juicy and tasty.
• Comice : Big and round fruit with a rather short neck;
  Skin = yellow-green.
  Flesh = extra juicy ; sweet and aromatic, its creamy-white flesh is delicious.
  It is said to be the sweetest and most flavourful of all the pear varieties.
  
• Guyot : real name = Doctor Jules Guyot.
  This is the first pear appearing on the market in the summer, from mid-july to September.
  Big pear .
  Skin = clear green to yellow,
  Flesh = melting and ivory in colour .
• Conference : elongated shape with a long neck.
  Flesh = white, juicy, granular and perfumed.
• Packhams : originating from Australia. Round with small neck.
  Skin = green but slightly turning yellow when the fruit is ripe,
  Flesh = succulent and rich in flavour. Quite fragrant, the white firm flesh is deliciously sweet and juicy.
• Angélys : bred by INRA in Angers, Angelys is a winter pear variety. Angelys was the result of efforts from all members of the sector ( breeders, producers, nurseryman, marketing etc….).
  It is characterised by a fine and juicy texture that melts in the mouth.