When is the Right Time to Pick Pears?
When is the right time to pick pears?
Pears should never be allowed to ripen on the tree because:
- they become gritty.
- the area around the core turns brown, soft and mushy.
Pears ripen best off the tree.
Pick pears when they are:
- firm - but the flesh is very slightly springy.
- just turning yellowish green. If too green they will never get their best flavor.
- just turning the seeds brown.
ready to come away from the tree with a slight twist & lift. If the fruit does not come off easily, the pears are not ready.
Ripen pears when picked:
- in the house at cool room temperature.
- Winter pears, such as Anjour, Comice and Bosc require 3 or 4 weeks in the fridge after picking to ripen properly.



I love your basket. This is an excellent post. I have been wondering this. Can you also write one for cooking apples and eating apples please.
I always know where to turn for kitchen garden advice. Sara from farmingfriends
Comment by farmingfriends - September 30, 2007 4:43 pm
Hi Sara
Glad you found the post useful - look out for one on apples, coming soon! They are quite different from pears. You keep me busy!
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - September 30, 2007 4:55 pm