Beurre Hardy is a classic French eating pear, very typical of the new varieties of pears that were being developed by enthusiasts in France and Belgium in the first half of the 19th century - characterised by very juicy sweet flavours. Many of these varieties are named "beurre", which translates as "butter-like" in English, a reference to the glistening melting flesh of these pears.
Perhaps not the prettiest of pears, but this a variety you plant for its surpassing flavour.
Beurre Hardy is fairly easy to grow, but in cooler climates it needs to be grown in a sheltered location in full sun to achieve the best flavours. It needs to be pollinated by other compatible pear varieties, but is a poor pollinator.
Beurre Hardy was raised by Mr Bonnet, a fruit enthusiast from Boulogne in northern France, around 1820. It was subsequently named it named after Mr Hardy, a Director of the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.
This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.