In the Kitchen: Pears

PearsOf all the fruits available to us during the winter holidays, I find the pear to be one of the loveliest. The soft shape and subtle color appeal to my artist's sensibilities. I am especially fond of Bartlett pears because they change color as they ripen. A low bowl filled with Bartletts makes an elegant arrangement that will gradually shift from chartreuse to shades of red and green over time.

Pears are a versatile fruit that are delicious whether eaten raw or cooked. They are one of the few fruits that do not ripen well on the tree. It is not until after they are harvested that begin to mature.

It is best to store unripe pears in a bowl or bag at room temperature. You can test a pear for ripeness by gently pressing near the stem. If it gives a little to the pressure, it is ready to eat. They actually ripen from the inside out, so if you try this test on the middle of the pear and it gives, you probably have an over ripe fruit.

Store ready to use pears in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Just be aware that they produce ethylene which is harmless to us, but causes accelerated aging in other ethylene sensitive produce such as broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce.

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Comments

How do we know which pear tree we have?

by NanaPopo62 on September 13, 2010 11:43
About eight years ago, we purchased a home that had a large pear tree that produced many large and delicious, sweet and juicy pears. We have tried to figure out which pear tree it is, but still am not sure of the particular kind it is. We had some pretty bad wind storms the last couple of years and lost some of the limbs. Last year we only had a few pears and this year, the limbs are loaded with pears. Can\'t wait until they are ready....some have fallen and we have tried them, but, of course, they aren\'t quite ready yet. Just wish we knew exactly what type of pear it is since there are quite a few different types.
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In the Kitchen: Pears

by Brenda Dodd on April 17, 2010 03:34
Thanks for this tip. I always hesitate buying pears, they're either too ripe or not enough ripe, usually the latter. Now I can buy them even when thy're not ripe and know I can set them in my fruit bowl and let them ripen and even enyoy the various stages of color. Thanks again.
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Pear Tree

by Gail on March 20, 2010 07:43
I live in zone 5, which kind of pear tree should I get and how do you take care of it to get nice fruit ? like what kind of spraying do you have to do ?
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Sagos

by Christine Payne on March 7, 2010 08:28
My sagos were badly damaged this winter due to freezing temps. Now the leaves are brown. How do I handle this? Do I cut off the damaged limbs?
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asiago salad

by julie kane on February 13, 2010 06:03
hello -- i, very much, appreciate your show Mr. Smith. one of your segments, on this morning's Feb. 13th show, featured a salad & dressing named Asiago Salad. why can i not find it at your (this) site? this is my first visit. please answer at your earliest convenience. thank you, in advance, for your convenience. julie
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pear storage

by joy rose on February 12, 2010 05:18
If you store pears with bananas either in or out of a paper bag the pears ripen better and last longer. Joy
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Fried Dill Pickles

by Sharon Vannoy on January 30, 2010 10:17
In going thru your article of Jan 30, 2010 I noticed the info that said "if you are having a Super Bowl Party" try "Fried Dill Pickles". Then said "Read More". I tried, tried, tried, but never came across directions for "Fried Dill Pickles"! Was I not going about info correctly? Thanks, Sharon Vannoy Verdi109
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Bartlett pears

by Carolyn on January 29, 2010 04:41
Thanks for tip on ripeness
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storing pears

by william wallace on January 24, 2010 08:54
I had a large bushel of pears. However I kept them in the basement in the fall and I discarded many because they were overly ripe. There is not enough room in my refrigerater. Is it possible to freeze them? William Wallace
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Pears

by Frieda Brister May on January 15, 2010 04:13
Hi! This fall my family was blessed with a bushel of pears, they were the canning type. I canned sliced pears and pear jam. We shared the canned pears and jam with the young lady that bought us the fruit. I figured we were both blessed as she and her family picked the fruit, provided half of the canning jars and we did the preparation, canning, provided the rest of the jars lids, and work. To have been given something so delicious; we enjoyed the fellowship while working. Frieda
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pears

by Connie Smith on January 8, 2010 11:13
As a child growing up in a large family Mother always brought canned fruit especially one called fruit cocktail. Only as another adult have I had the pleasure of fresh pears. Wow what a difference. The the flavor so much more intense like the good Lord intended right? Enjoy your show so much and your website. Sincerely Connie Smith Solsberry, Indiana
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Asian Pears

by carol lindley on November 27, 2009 12:42
Hi, I enjoy your articles and tv appearances so much. This is the first time I have seen an article, containing Asian Pears...I like to eat them...but don't know else what to do with them. Can you help?? Sincerely, Carol Lindley
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favorite

by June Parker on January 31, 2009 11:35
You are my favorite on television
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Pears

by Melanie Sadler on September 8, 2008 12:58
We just harvested a couple of bushels of pears from our trees. Do they have to be ripe to make preserves, or can we get started? Thanks. Melanie
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Very Tiny Pears (Clusters)

by Mary on August 23, 2008 02:37
What is the variety of pear that are very small, about the size of a penny. They have a rustic texture, and the color is between a greenish-yellow, and rusty look. They grow in clusters, and kind of look like a small crabapple. The limb of the tree is a brownish-black with little white spots. I would like to know if they are edible. Please respond. Thank You.
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