Although generally listed by American and British authors as Winter Nelis, the name of this variety has been much confused in continental Europe. Leroy (1867) describes it under Bonne de Malines, the name assigned by its originator. It was introduced into England under the name of La Bonne Melinois. At a later date, the name Bonne de Malines or La Bonne Melinois was cancelled and Nelis d'Hiver was substituted at the suggestion of Van Mons. From this name came the English equivalent, 'Winter Nelis'. Full description and color plate in Hedrick (1921).Raised from seed by Jean Charles Nelis, Mechlin, Belgium, early in the nineteenth century. Brought to the Unites States from England in 1823. Fruit small to medium in size, roundish-obovate to obtuse-obovate-pyriform. Skin fairly thick, but tender, roughened with considerable russeting, dull green or yellowish in color, not attractive. Flesh fairly fine except for grit at the center, buttery, moderately juicy. Spicy, rich flavor, rates very high in dessert quality. Late keeper. Tree fairly vigorous, willowy and spreading in habit, reasonably productive, moderately susceptible to fire blight. Winter Nelis is rapidly losing ground as a commercial variety because of its small size, unattractive appearance, and a tendency to decay in storage. -- H. Hartman, Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station, 1957.
Raised by Jean Charles Nelis at Malines early in the 19th century and introduced to Britain in 1818. A good late pear, cropping reliably but tree growth is weak and trees should be grown on Quince A (Quince C is too dwarfing). Fruits tend to be small and often require thinning. -- Jim Arbury, Pears, 1997.
Unattractive in appearance, this roughly russeted dark brown and dull green medium-sized pear ripens into one of the most delicious for late winter use -- tender, sweet, juicy and luscious. Of early 19th century Belgian origin. -- Robert Nitschke, Southmeadow Fruit Gardens Catalog, 1976.