Pears are a fruit that is both cultivated and consumed all over the globe. They aren’t quite as popular as apples or bananas in most countries, but they aren’t far down the list either.
These fruits may be eaten raw, dried, turned into juice, or used as ingredients for a plethora of fruity desserts.
Around the world, there are over 3,000 known types of pears, each one varying slightly in taste, size, and shape.
Below, we discuss whether or not pears ripen after being picked.
Do Pears Ripen After Being Picked?
Pears are a bit of an oddity compared to many fruits as they don’t ripen on the tree, rather they only ripen after being picked. After being picked, it is best practice to keep them somewhere dry and cool (like a basement) while they ripen up. This process is sometimes referred to as “chilling”.
How Do You Ripen a Pear?
Ripening a pear is simple: set it on the kitchen counter and give it a few days. You may also keep them in the fruit draw, or a produce bag, in the fridge. Another classic method for ripening pears is placing them inside a paper bag along with a banana or apple. If you try this approach, make sure to check back in 2 or 3 days and every day after until the fruit is ripe.
How to Tell if a Pear is Ripe?
Pears give way to your fingertips, ever so slightly, once they are ripe. Pay attention when giving the squeeze test because ripe pears are generally a bit harder than other ripe fruits and are easy to mistake for unripe fruit. If you mistake a ripe pear for unripe, it could be spoiled by the time you get back to it.
Are Unripe Pears Safe to Eat?
Unripe pears are not only safe to eat, they are actually extremely beneficial. For example, unripe pear contains enough papain enzyme to relieve the symptoms of several gastric disorders.
Are Ripe Pears Hard or Soft?
Ripe pears are soft on the inside. However, on the outside, compared to other ripe fruits, ripe pears may seem a bit hard.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
