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Picking the Perfect Pear

Gardening Guide: Picture Perfect Pear Guide: All You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, Cooking, and Eating Delicious Pears

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Picking the Perfect Pear

By Norann Oleson

Harvesting pears.

Harvesting pears.

European pears don’t ripen on the tree; they ripen a certain number of days after full bloom, commonly called DAFB. When you get your trees, ask about the harvest timing for your particular variety. Note when your trees bloom, then start checking your trees at the designated time to see if the pears are ready for harvest.

The pears will let you know if they’re ready to come off the tree. Hold a pear gently and give it a slight twist; if the stem resists, leave it alone and check the next day. If it comes off, your pear is ready to head to cold storage to cure. How long your pears need to chill out depends on the cultivar; check with your local nursery or extension center.

Asian pears ripen on the tree. Most Asian pears turn from green to yellow when they’re ripe. The skin should look thin and delicate. The best way to determine if your Asian pears are ripe is to check their color, smell, and taste. Their texture is much like that of an apple.

Have you faced any challenges in determining when to pick your pears? Please tell us your pear-harvesting tips in the comments below.

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pears

Comments
  • Jill C. January 4, 2023

    We use the “taste test” method to determine when our Asian pears are ready. They will store for 3 to 4 months in a fridge. They do not get better left on the tree–they lose their flavor over time.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Featured Articles

  • Types of Pear Trees
  • Ornamental Nuisances: Flowering Pear Trees
  • Picking the Right Size Pear Tree
  • Training and Pruning your Pear Trees
  • Pairing Up For Pear Pollination
  • Pear Trees by Size and Form
  • A Word About Planning Your Pear Use
  • Choosing to Grow Pears from Seeds or Seedlings
  • Growing Pears in Open Land, in Containers, or in Raised Beds
  • Starting with the Right Soil for Your Pear Trees
  • The Right Sunlight for Your Pears
  • Should You Fertilize Your Pear Trees?
  • How—and When—to Water Your Pear Trees
  • Picking the Perfect Pear
  • How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Pear Diseases and Pest Infestations
  • Post-Harvest Pear Crop Infections
  • Pear Pests
  • Basic Preventive Measures to Avoid Pear Tree Diseases
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Pears
  • Plant Profiles

  • Shinseiki Pear: Pyrus pyrifolia “Shinseiki” (Asian Pear)
  • Nijisseiki Pear: Pyrus pyrifolia “Nijisseiki” (Asian Pear)
  • Hosui Pear: Pyrus pyrifolia “Hosui” (Asian Pear)
  • Chojuro Pear: Pyrus pyrifolia “Chojuro” (Asian Pear)
  • Red Sensation Pear: Pyrus communis “Red Sensation” (European Pear)
  • Red Clapp’s Favorite Pear: Pyrus communis “Red Clapp’s Favorite” (European Pear)
  • Orient Pear: Pyrus communis “Orient” (European Pear)
  • Moonglow Pear: Pyrus communis “Moonglow” (European Pear)
  • Kieffer Pear: Pyrus communis “Kieffer” (European Pear)
  • Harrow Sweet Pear: Pyrus communis “Harrow Sweet” (European Pear)
  • Comice Pear: Pyrus communis “Comice” (European Pear)
  • Bosc Pear: Pyrus communis “Bosc” (European Pear)
  • Bartlett Pear: Pyrus communis “Bartlett” (European Pear)
  • Anjou Pear: Pyrus communis “Anjou” (European Pear)
  • Recipes

  • Chocolate Pear Cake
  • Fruit Leather
  • Pear Jam
  • Vanilla Poached Pears with Chocolate Sauce
  • Spiced Poached Pears
  • Pear Crisp
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Pears
  • Health Benefits of Pears
  • Resources about Pears
  • Pear Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • Picture Perfect Pear Guide—All You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, Cooking, and Eating Delicious Pears

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