Knowing the right moment to pick pears from your tree is the secret to enjoying their best flavor and texture. Unlike many fruits, pears ripen perfectly off the tree, making timing everything. If you pick them too early, they stay hard and bitter; too late, and they turn mushy and brown at the core. This guide will walk you through the simple signs that tell you your pears are ready for harvest.
When to Pick Pears from Tree
The most important rule in pear harvesting is this: pears should be picked mature but not ripe. They reach their peak sweetness and buttery texture after a period of off-tree ripening. This process is called “after-ripening.” Getting the timing right means you’ll enjoy fruit that is juicy, sweet, and just firm enough.
The Simple Color Check
Color change is one of the most reliable indicators. Don’t look for the final ripe color you see in stores. Instead, look for a subtle lightening of the skin.
For green varieties like ‘Bartlett,’ the skin changes from a dark, forest green to a lighter, slightly yellowish-green. For red varieties, like ‘Red Bartlett,’ the red blush will become deeper and more widespread. The overall fruit will look more vibrant, not dull.
The Gentle Twist Test
This is the hands-on method. Hold the pear gently in the palm of your hand and lift it to a horizontal position. Give it a slight twist.
If the stem separates easily and cleanly from the spur (the small branch it’s attached to) with little effort, the pear is mature. If you have to tug hard or yank it, leave it on the tree for a few more days. Never pull straight down, as this can damage the spur and effect next year’s crop.
Checking for Lenticels
Look closely at your pear’s skin. You’ll see small dots, called lenticels. On immature pears, these are often tight and green. As the fruit matures, the lenticels on many varieties become more pronounced and turn white or brown. This is a great secondary clue, especially on thicker-skinned pears like ‘Bosc.’
Seed Color Isn’t Always Key
Many guides suggest checking the seed color by cutting a sample pear. While mature pears often have dark brown seeds, this isn’t a foolproof method for all varieties. Some pears may have brown seeds before they are truly mature for picking. It’s better to use this as a final confirmation alongside the twist test and color check.
Seasonal Timing is a Guide
Knowing your pear variety’s typical harvest window is helpful. Here’s a general timeline for common types:
* Early Season (Late Summer): ‘Bartlett’ pears are often the first ready, typically in late August or early September.
* Mid Season (Early Fall): Varieties like ‘Anjou’ and ‘Comice’ follow, usually in September.
* Late Season (Mid to Late Fall): ‘Bosc’ and ‘Winter Nelis’ are harvested later, often into October.
These dates can shift by weeks depending on your local climate and the weather in a given year, so always trust the physical signs on the fruit over the calendar.
What to Do If You’re Unsure
If you’re not sure, do a taste test. Pick one pear that looks promising and let it ripen indoors at room temperature for 5-7 days. If it ripens evenly to a sweet, flavorful fruit, the others on the tree are ready to pick. If it stays hard, grainy, or lacks flavor, give the rest on the tree more time.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Process
Once you’ve determined your pears are mature, follow these steps for a successful harvest:
1. Pick on a Dry Day: Harvest when the fruit is dry to prevent spreading disease.
2. Use Proper Technique: Cup the pear in your hand, twist gently, and let it roll into your palm. Always keep the stem attached.
3. Handle with Extreme Care: Pears bruise incredibly easily. Place each pear gently into your harvesting container—a bucket lined with a towel or a shallow basket is ideal.
4. Sort as You Go: Separate any damaged, bruised, or bird-pecked fruit to use first. These won’t store well.
5. Don’t Overfill: Piling pears too deep will cause bruising at the bottom. Use multiple shallow containers.
The All-Important Ripening Process
After picking, your work isn’t done. To ripen your pears to perfection:
* Store at Room Temperature: Place them in a single layer, not touching, on a counter or table. This allows for good air circulation.
* Speed Up Ripening: To ripen pears faster, place them in a paper bag. The bag traps ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent. Adding a banana or apple to the bag releases even more ethylene and speeds the process further.
* Check Daily: Pears ripen from the inside out. Check for ripeness by applying gentle pressure to the neck, near the stem. If it yields slightly, it’s ready to eat. If you wait for the whole fruit to feel soft, the center may be overripe.
* Refrigerate to Pause: Once ripe, you can slow things down by putting pears in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for several days this way.
Common Harvesting Mistakes to Avoid
* Waiting for Softness on the Tree: This is the biggest error. Tree-ripened pears often have a gritty texture and rotten cores.
* Pulling Instead of Twisting: This damages the fruit spur and can reduce your future harvests.
* Using Deep Buckets: Dropping pears into a deep pail causes bruising. Shallow is always better.
* Ignoring the Early Birds: Check your tree frequently once the harvest window nears. Pears on the sunnier side often mature first.
FAQ: Your Pear Picking Questions Answered
What if I pick pears too early?
Early-picked pears may never develop their full flavor and sweetness. They might remain hard, sour, or become mealy after trying to ripen them. It’s better to err on the side of slightly late than too early.
Can you leave pears on the tree too long?
Absolutely. Over-mature pears become soft and brown inside, especially around the core. They may also drop from the tree, which often causes bruising. Wildlife will also be more likely to find them first.
How long do picked pears take to ripen?
Typically, 5 to 10 days at room temperature. Factors like variety, harvest maturity, and room temperature effect this time. Check them daily after the fifth day.
Do all pear varieties ripen the same way?
Most follow the same off-tree ripening pattern. However, some European varieties, like ‘Winter Nelis,’ benefit from a longer chilling period before they will ripen properly. If your pears seem stubborn, try putting them in the fridge for a week or two before attempting to ripen them at room temp.
Why are my pears rotting from the inside after picking?
This usually means they were left on the tree too long before harvesting. The internal breakdown began while the fruit was still attached. Next season, try picking a week or two earlier.
Mastering the art of pear picking is a rewarding skill. By focusing on the subtle signs of maturity—the lightened color, the easy twist, and the firm feel—you’ll harvest fruit that will ripen into the perfect treat. With careful handling and patient after-ripening, you’ll enjoy the true, delicious reward of growing your own pears.