Butt pear
The Butt pear is a traditional English perry variety, grown primarily for cider rather than fresh eating. Originating in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, the Butt pear (also known as Norton Butt) is a late-season variety valued for its distinctive flavor profile in perry production. The fruit is small, globular, and lemon-yellow with russeted skin, notable for its ability to remain sound on the ground for weeks after harvest. Its juice is rich in tannins and moderate acidity, producing a bittersharp character that ferments slowly but yields a high-quality, aromatic cider. The tree itself is vigorous and hardy, though it can be slow to come into bearing and sometimes shows biennial tendencies. With its long keeping quality and heavy production, Butt pear remains a favorite among traditional perry makers for its resilience and contribution to complex, full-bodied ciders.