How to Pick Fresh Pears

Pears set themselves apart from other fruits when it comes to harvesting them.

Pears are unlike most fruits when they are picked because you pick them when they are slightly unripe. Pears left to ripen on the tree become mealy and unappetizing. Whether harvesting from your own trees or picking pears at the grocery store, the same criteria apply to choosing the best pears. After you get the pears home, ripen them yourself for the best flavor.

Things You'll Need

• Paper bag
• Damp sponge

Instructions

1. Look for pears turning from green to slightly yellow.

2. Grasp a pear and gently squeeze it. Pick pears with the firm texture of a softball.

3. Pick pears that meet these criteria from the tree or choose such pears at the grocery store.

4. Place the pears in the coldest portion of the refrigerator, on the bottom shelf, for prolonged storage.

5. Ripen pears from the refrigerator on the counter for two to three days, or place them in a closed paper bag with a damp sponge to speed ripening to one to two days.

6. Test the pears daily by gently pressing the fruit close to the stem with your thumb. Use pears that yield slightly and have developed a deep golden color immediately.

References

• Oregon State University Extension; When to Pick and How to Ripen Pears to Perfection; Carol Savonen
• Fort Valley State University College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology; Buying Pears; 2011
• Texas A &M University Aggie Horticulture Extension; Texas Pears; Marty Baker, et al; March 6, 1997