Knowing when are Bartlett pears ready to pick is the key to enjoying their perfect, juicy flavor. Picking them at the right moment makes all the difference, as these pears ripen best off the tree.
If you pick them too early, they’ll never develop that sweet, buttery taste. Too late, and you might find a mushy, overripe mess still hanging on the branch. This guide will walk you through the simple signs to look for, so you can harvest your pears at their peak.
When Are Bartlett Pears Ready To Pick
This is the core question for every grower. Unlike many fruits, Bartlett pears are one of the few that change color on the tree, giving you a clear visual clue. The shift from dark green to a yellowish-green is your first major signal.
But color alone isn’t enough. You need to check a few other things to be absolutely sure. The ideal picking window is usually about 7 to 10 days long, so you have some time to get it right.
The Simple Signs of Harvest Readiness
Use this checklist each time you inspect your pears. When most of these signs line up, your pears are ready for harvest.
- Color Change: The skin loses its deep green shade and becomes a pale, yellowish-green. Sometimes a slight red blush appears on the side that gets sun.
- Lenticel Spots: Those tiny speckles on the skin (called lenticels) become more noticeable and turn brown against the lighter background.
- Seed Color: Cut a test pear open. The seeds inside should be dark brown, not white or light tan.
- Ease of Picking: A ripe pear will separate from the branch with a gentle, upward twist. If you have to yank hard, it’s not ready.
The Critical “Check-Pear” Test
Always choose one or two pears to be your testers. Pick the largest fruits from different parts of the tree, as they usually mature first.
- Select a pear that looks yellowish-green.
- Cup it in your hand and tilt it horizontally from the stem.
- Apply gentle upward pressure. If the stem separates cleanly from the spur (the small woody bump on the branch), it’s ready.
- If it doesn’t release easily, leave it and check again in a few days.
Why Pears Ripen Off the Tree
This is the most important concept in pear harvesting. Pears develop their best flavor and texture after they are picked. If left to ripen completely on the tree, they often develop gritty, stone-like cells and can become soft and brown at the core.
Picking them while still firm allows for a controlled, even ripening process indoors. This gives you that classic, smooth, buttery flesh everyone loves. Think of tree-ripening as the “building” phase and indoor ripening as the “finishing” phase.
The Role of Ethylene Gas
Pears produce a natural hormone called ethylene. Once picked, ethylene production increases, triggering the ripening process. This is why storing pears in a paper bag speeds things up—the bag traps the gas around the fruit.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Instructions
Now that you know they’re ready, here’s how to pick them properly to avoid damage.
- Gather Supplies: Use a soft-sided basket or bucket. Wear gloves if you prefer.
- Handle with Care: Pears bruise incredibly easily. Never toss them into your container. Place them gently.
- The Correct Motion: Hold the pear in the palm of your hand, lift and twist gently. The goal is to get the stem to snap from the spur, not the pear from the stem.
- Inspect as You Go: Set aside any pears with significant bird pecks, insect holes, or bad bruises. You can use these immediately.
- Sort by Size: Larger pears often ripen faster. Sorting them can help you manage the ripening process in batches.
Post-Harvest: The Ripening Process
Your job isn’t over after picking. Proper ripening is what makes a Bartlett pear exceptional.
- Initial Storage: For long-term storage, place unripe, firm pears in the refrigerator. They can keep for months in cold, humid conditions.
- To Ripen: When you want ripe pears, take them out of the fridge. Leave them at room temperature (60-70°F is ideal) on your counter.
- Speed It Up: To ripen pears quickly, put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple. These fruits give off extra ethylene gas.
- Check Daily: They can go from firm to perfect to overripe in just a day or two. Check for softness at the neck, near the stem, which is the best indicator.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with careful timing, things can go a little wrong. Here’s what to watch for.
Pears That Never Ripen Properly
If your pears remain hard and green or become mealy, they were likely picked too early. Once starch conversion stops, you can’t restart it. Next year, wait longer for that color change and easy separation.
Pears That Rot Quickly
If they become soft and brown almost immediately, they were probably picked too late. They may have already started internal ripening on the tree. Also, ensure they aren’t stored while wet, as moisture encourages mold.
Bird and Insect Damage
Birds love pears. If this is a problem, consider using protective netting as the fruit begins to color. Good garden hygiene, like cleaning up fallen fruit, helps reduce insect pests.
Storing Your Perfectly Ripened Pears
Once your pears are ripe to your liking, you can slow things down by placing them in the refrigerator. The cool temperature significantly slows the ripening process. Ripe, refrigerated pears will stay in good condition for about 3 to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can preserve pears by canning, drying, or making them into preserves. Frozen pear slices are also great for smoothies or baking later on.
FAQs: Your Bartlett Pear Questions Answered
Q: What month are Bartlett pears usually ready?
A: This depends heavily on your climate. In most temperate regions, Bartlett pears are typically ready for picking in late summer through early fall, often between August and September. The best indicator is always the fruit’s appearance, not the calendar.
Q: Can I just let them ripen on the tree?
A: It’s not recommended. As mentioned, tree-ripened Bartlett pears often develop a gritty texture and may rot from the inside out. For the best quality, pick them firm and let them ripen indoors.
Q: How do you know when a pear is ripe to eat after picking?
A> Apply gentle thumb pressure to the neck, near the stem. If it yields slightly, it’s ready. A ripe pear will also have a strong, sweet fragrance. Avoid squeezing the body of the pear, as this causes bruises.
Q: My pears fell off the tree. Are they still good?
A> Check them immediately. If they are still firm and only dropped because of wind or a heavy crop, they may ripen fine. If they are already soft, use them right away for cooking. Discard any with broken skin or signs of rot.
Q: What’s the difference between Bartlett and other pears?
A: Bartletts are the classic summer pear and are known for their clear color change. Winter pears like Bosc or D’Anjou often require a longer chilling period after harvest and don’t change color as obviously.
Mastering the harvest of Bartlett pears is a rewarding skill. By focusing on the color change, the easy separation from the tree, and understanding the off-tree ripening process, you’ll consistently enjoy perfect fruit. Remember, patience is key—wait for those signs, pick with care, and let your kitchen do the final work. With this knowledge, you can look forward to the best tasting pears from your own garden every season.