USA Pears - Pear Bureau Northwest

Red Bartlett
(Bart-let)

In nearly all respects, Red Bartlett Pears are virtually the same as their Yellow Bartlett counterparts, except of course in color. Northwest Red Bartletts add a beautiful contrast of color in fruit baskets and bowls, while providing the same familiar flavors and smooth textures of Northwest Yellow Bartletts. Familiarize yourself with Northwest Red Bartletts here, then look for them in the produce departments of grocery stores where you shop!

Identifying A Red Bartlett
A Season Worth The Wait!
A Canning Tradition
Great Ideas!
History of Red Bartletts
Questions?

IDENTIFYING RED BARTLETTS
For many, the Bartlett pear carries a true pyriform "pear shape;" a rounded bell on the bottom half of the fruit, then a definitive shoulder with a smaller neck or stem end. Bartletts are also extremely aromatic pears, and have that definitive "pear flavor." Just as Yellow Bartletts change color while ripening, so do Red Bartletts; changing from a dark red often with light vertical striping to become a bright red. Aside from color, there are no other differences between the two types of Bartlett pears. Consider Red Bartletts for an attractive fruit basket or bowl display. Together, Red & Green Northwest Bartletts make a striking counter or table-top centerpiece.
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A SEASON WORTH THE WAIT!
The First Choice for those waiting for the new pear season to begin, Northwest Bartletts are harvested in late August to early September and usually remain available through the end of the year. Harvesting methods and modern packing facilities in the Northwest ensure a quality selection when fruit arrives in grocery produce departments.

Northwest Bartletts are harvested when fully mature, but before they become ripe. Pears are a unique fruit, in that if allowed to ripen on-tree, natural deposits of lignin and cellulose will develop in the flesh, causing a "gritty" texture. Because Northwest Pears are harvested and then allowed to ripen, you can expect a smoother texture with sweeter flavor. If you love the taste of fresh Bartlett pears, try a Northwest Bartlett. You'll be pleased!
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THE CANNING TRADITION
Bartletts are known for canning, and you'll find several suggestions for putting up Bartletts in the recipes listed on this page. The bright red color of Red Bartletts is only skin deep though, so it will make no difference in preserving recipes whether you use Yellow or Red Bartletts because you will peel them. Both Yellow and Red Bartletts have a definitive flavor and sweetness, making them the best all-around choice for processing. Their flesh is more dense, allowing them to hold shape during processing.
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GREAT IDEAS USING NW BARTLETTS
Red Bartletts offer the same great flavors as Yellow Bartletts, but their color simply adds to their plate appeal! Consider sliced Red Bartletts to liven up green salads or other fresh prepared foods. Always remember that any recipe calling for apples can be made using fresh pears. Visit the Recipe Files.
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THE HISTORY OF RED BARTLETTS
The Red Bartlett, known also as 'Max Red', was first discovered as a bud sport on a regular Bartlett tree near Zillah, Washington in 1938. A "bud sport" is a naturally occurring transformation that develops occasionally on fruit trees. Often they are unnoticed, and even when discovered, the resulting fruit is not always commercially viable.

Aside from Max Red, 'Sensation' is another Red Bartlett cultivar that appeared in 1940 in Australia. Since then, the two strains have been used to propagate many other red pear varieties, and now there are several types of red pears in production in the Northwest.
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QUESTIONS?
Can't find the answer to your question? Have a comment you'd like to make? Send us an e-mail... we respond to every message!
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