How to tell if a pear is ripe?
Pears are picked when ripe but immature and need to ripen on the counter before they are sweet enough to eat. "Check the neck" to determine if they are ready.
Pears do not ripen on the tree, but after being picked. If the pear isn't completely sweet when bitten, it's probably not ripe yet. Over time, sugar builds up inside the pears, resulting in a sweeter flavor.
Certain pear varieties, such as Bartlett pears, turn yellow when ripe. However, not all pears change color so dramatically. To check for ripeness, simply hold the pear and gently squeeze the area near the stem. If loosened slightly, the pears are ready to eat. Remember the saying "check the neck" to easily determine doneness.
Freshly picked or purchased pears ripen at room temperature. Do not store immature ones in the refrigerator; when ripe, refrigerate to extend the shelf life for a few days. Placing pears with other fruits or in paper bags causes the pears to release ethylene gas during the ripening process, which speeds up the ripening process and thus speeds up the ripening of pears.
How to tell if a pear is bad?
- It feels soft, dry or leaky when pressed.
- Have large brown, rotten or moldy spots.
Should I throw it away?
If that pear is old but still looks delicious, go ahead and eat it. But if you're not entirely sure what the fruit is good for, throw it away. Ripe pears add texture and sweetness to soups, smoothies, and purees, so don't throw them away.
