When it comes to pears, sweetness can vary widely depending on the cultivar. Whether you enjoy a juicy snack or want the perfect pear for desserts, knowing which varieties pack the most natural sugar can help you pick the sweetest fruit.
Using detailed research measuring the average glucose, fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol content (all key sugars) in various pear cultivars, we ranked the top 10 sweetest pears based on their total sugar content per kilogram of fresh fruit. This data is sourced from a comprehensive study published here: CORE Academic Repository.
Sugar Content Breakdown by Pear Cultivar (g/kg fresh fruit)
| Cultivar | Glucose | Fructose | Sucrose | Sorbitol | Total Sugars (g/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Bon Chrétien | 4.8 | 39.9 | 3.4 | 17.5 | 65.6 |
| Red Williams | 5.8 | 32.8 | 2.8 | 16.7 | 58.1 |
| Rosired | 5.3 | 38.0 | 4.2 | 17.8 | 65.3 |
| Clapp Favorite | 11.6 | 66.1 | 4.3 | 14.5 | 96.5 |
| Early Morettini | 6.3 | 41.8 | 3.3 | 14.4 | 65.8 |
| Conference | 4.9 | 23.7 | 11.3 | 12.5 | 52.4 |
| Concord | 11.9 | 45.8 | 5.1 | 25.8 | 88.6 |
| Packham’s Triumph | 11.6 | 34.7 | 5.3 | 19.8 | 71.4 |
| Abatte Fettel | 16.3 | 43.6 | 6.6 | 21.0 | 87.5 |
| Beaurré Bosc | 10.5 | 42.5 | 21.1 | 24.9 | 99.0 |
| Passe Crassane | 13.1 | 25.1 | 5.5 | 13.4 | 57.1 |
| Clairgeau | 13.0 | 36.5 | 4.3 | 22.1 | 75.9 |
| Vicar of Wingfield | 7.4 | 40.0 | 13.4 | 13.7 | 74.5 |
| Hardy | 13.5 | 37.6 | 5.9 | 16.1 | 73.1 |
| Beurré d’Avranches | 15.3 | 44.6 | 10.1 | 14.6 | 84.6 |
| Princess Mariane | 14.9 | 47.7 | 2.2 | 16.0 | 80.8 |
| Santa Maria | 6.5 | 46.7 | 8.2 | 12.9 | 74.3 |
| Beurré Alexandre Lucas | 6.9 | 34.9 | 13.2 | 17.6 | 72.6 |
| Kumoi | 13.7 | 32.6 | 15.4 | 19.0 | 80.7 |
| Koshui | 18.0 | 45.7 | 2.6 | 11.2 | 77.5 |
| Hoshui | 21.8 | 37.3 | 2.9 | 17.6 | 79.6 |
| Shinseiki | 14.8 | 27.9 | 10.8 | 5.0 | 58.5 |
The Top 10 Sweetest Pear Cultivars:
1. Beaurré Bosc – 99.0 g/kg
Known for its classic pear shape and russet skin, Beaurré Bosc tops the sweetness chart with nearly 100 g/kg of total sugars. Its rich, honeyed flavor makes it perfect for eating fresh or using in baking.
2. Clapp Favorite – 96.5 g/kg
Clapp Favorite boasts an impressive sugar content, largely from fructose, giving it a sweet, juicy bite that’s a favorite in many fruit salads and desserts.
3. Concord – 88.6 g/kg
With a high sugar and sorbitol content, Concord pears offer a naturally sweet and slightly tangy flavor, ideal for fresh eating and preserves.
4. Abatte Fettel – 87.5 g/kg
Abatte Fettel is prized for its sweet, aromatic flesh and smooth texture, making it a delicious choice for fresh consumption or canning.
5. Beurré d’Avranches – 84.6 g/kg
This pear combines sweetness and aroma beautifully, offering a delicate flavor with balanced sugars suitable for fresh eating and cooking.
6. Princess Mariane – 80.8 g/kg
Princess Mariane is a sweet, juicy pear with a fine texture. Its sugar profile makes it a popular table pear in many regions.
7. Kumoi – 80.7 g/kg
Kumoi pears are juicy and fragrant with a sweetness that’s well-rounded, making them ideal for fresh eating.
8. Hoshui – 79.6 g/kg
Hoshui stands out for its high glucose content, contributing to a bright sweetness that pairs well with its firm texture.
9. Koshui – 77.5 g/kg
Koshui pears have a crisp bite and sweet, mild flavor, thanks to their balanced sugar profile.
10. Clairgeau – 75.9 g/kg
Clairgeau pears have a sweet and slightly floral taste, with sugars and sorbitol that provide smooth sweetness.
If you’re a pear lover seeking the sweetest varieties, this ranking based on total sugar content can guide your next purchase or planting decision. Each of these pears offers unique textures and flavors alongside their sweetness, so there’s something for every palate.