How to Tell When a Bosc Pear Is Ripe

Bosc pears have a distinctive skin color.

A Bosc pear has a firmer flesh than other pear varieties. Because it retains its shape better than other pears, it's often the best choice to use in baking. Those who prefer a firm, crunchy texture and sweet, spicy flavor love it for eating out of hand. A Bosc pear sweetens earlier in the ripening process than other varieties, so it can be eaten while it still has a firm texture. Identify whether the pear is ripe by looking at its color and texture, and feeling the skin's firmness.

Instructions

1. Look at the color of the pear. It should appear dark yellow with a cinnamon color rubbed over the surface of the skin. The green hue under the russet skin turns yellow as the pear ripens.

2. Hold the pear gently in the palm of your hand. Press on the pear at the stem end on the neck. It should yield to gentle pressure when the pear is ripe. However, Bosc varieties give less than other pears do when they are ripe since it has a firmer flesh.

3. Look at the texture of the pear's skin. You should notice a slight wrinkling at the stem base when the pear ripens.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle ripe Bosc pears with care so as not to cause bruising.

• After the pear ripens, refrigerate it if you don't plan to eat it right away.

• Hard Bosc pears ripen faster at room temperature, or between 65 and 75 F; Bosc pears should ripen in five to seven days.

• For the best quality, avoid Bosc pears with soft spots that extend under the skin.

References

• Produce Oasis: Bosc Pear
• USA Pears: Bosc
• Oregon State University Extension; When to Pick and How to Ripen Pears to Perfection; Carol Savonen