Produce 101 - Pears



Produce 101 - Pears

Picking the best

Pears are packed and shipped green, because the best flavor and texture develop when pears are ripened off the tree (the sugar content increases, due to conversion of starch to sugar). Pears are picked unripe but mature. A pear characteristically has minor surface blemishes on the skin and is known as russeting. These blemishes are natural and do not affect the pears flavor. In general selecting a pear, big plump pears are the most desirable.

Storing

Pears are picked mature but not ripe. They generally require additional ripening at home at room temperature. Pears ripen from the inside out and should not be kept unti soft on the outside. A ripe pear is firm yet yields slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end. Once ripe they are ready to eat, or can be refrigerated for later consumption.