Pears are a unique fruit. This fruit will ripen after being picked from the tree! To taste the deliciousness of pears, choose fruit that is firm and not bruised, and let the pears ripen at home. Pears will ripen by leaving them on the counter for a few days. However, you can speed up the process by putting the fruit in a paper bag or storing it with other fruits. Check pears for ripeness daily by feeling the skin. When the pears are soft, you're good to go!
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Part 1 of 3: Picking Pears
Step 1. Choose a pear that is not bruised or torn
You can choose a pear with a different color or with natural spots on the skin. However, don't choose pears that are bruised or have exposed flesh. These pears won't taste as good as undamaged fruit!
Step 2. Choose a firm pear if you bought it at the store
Pears will ripen after picking. So, don't worry if the pears are not soft when you buy them at the store or traditional market. It's a good idea to buy pears that are firm to the touch and ripen at home.
- Most pears are light green in color, although some (such as Asian pears) are yellow or light brown in color.
- Feel free to choose pears that are still firm. A few days later, the fruit will be soft.
Step 3. Pick ripe pears from the tree by twisting them (if you are using your hands)
If you have your own pear tree, pick the pears by turning them by hand horizontally. If the stem comes off easily, the pear is ripe and ready to be picked. If the pear is difficult to pick, it means that the fruit is taking longer on the tree.
- Pears will ripen after picking. So, don't wait for the fruit to be soft to pick it from the tree.
- Once picked, you can store the pears in a cool place (such as the refrigerator) for a few days to continue the ripening process. However, this only applies to hand-picked pears.
Part 2 of 3: Ripening Pears
Step 1. Store pears at room temperature for 4 to 7 days to ripen them
Whether you pick them yourself or buy them at the store, pears will ripen on their own when placed on the table. Check the pears daily to see if they are ripe.
Don't pile pears as this can bruise them (especially Asian pears)
Step 2. Ripe the pears by storing them in a paper bag for 2 to 4 days
The gas released by the pears in the bag will speed up their ripening. Gently place the pears into the paper bag, then close the bag by folding the top.
- Check the pears daily to make sure none of the fruit is damaged.
- Do not use plastic bags because all the gas will be trapped inside and will not allow air circulation.
Step 3. Add ripe apples or bananas to a paper bag to speed up the ripening of the pears within 1-3 days
So that pears can ripen in just 1-3 days, add an apple or banana to the paper bag where the pears are stored. Ripe fruit will produce ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening of pears.
- Do a check to see if there are any damaged fruit in the bag. One rotten pear can affect other fruit.
- If you don't have a paper bag, you can place a ripe apple or banana next to a pear to take advantage of the ethylene gas.
Step 4. Avoid placing pears in the refrigerator if they are not ripe
If you put unripe pears in the refrigerator, the fruit's ability to continue ripening will be hampered. Wait until the pears are soft before you put them in the refrigerator, or just store them for a few more days.
Pears picked straight from the tree can be stored in the refrigerator. However, store-bought pears have gone through this refrigeration process and should not be refrigerated unless they are ripe
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing Ripe Pears
Step 1. Taste the pear flesh to determine the degree of tenderness
Gently press the pear neck with your fingers. If the flesh is soft instead of tough, the pear is ripe and ready to eat. Don't worry if the pear color doesn't change as most pears stay the same color even when they're ripe.
Ready-to-eat pears don't have to be very soft. As long as the flesh can soften a little when pressed, then the pears are cooked
Step 2. Check the pears daily for rotting fruit
When ripe, pears will rot quickly. So, taste the pears daily to make sure you don't miss a ripe pear. This is especially important if pears are being stored with other fruit, or you are placing pears in a paper bag to speed up ripening.
If necessary, write down the date when you put the pears in the paper bag so you can remember how long they were there
Step 3. Eat pears within a few days of ripening
Pears have the most delicious taste when consumed right when the fruit is ripe. Don't wait too long if the flesh is soft. If you can't eat ripe pears right away, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for a few more days.
