How to Store Pear

General Pear Info

Ripe pears are very fragile and are rarely found in the grocery store. Choose pears that are fragrant without any blemishes.

How to Ripen Pear

To ripen, store pears in a paper bag at room temperature; occasionally turn the pears inside the bag. The pears will be ready to use when they yield to slight pressure in your hand.

Short Term Pear Storage

Store ripened pears in the humid environment of the crisper section of the refrigerator; they will hold their freshness for 4 or 5 days.

Asian pears may be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week; in the refrigerator they will keep for up to 2 months.

Pear Long Term Storage

To freeze pears, select ones that are ripe but firm; peel, cut in halves or quarters and remove cores. Heat the pears in a 40-percent syrup (1 cup water to 2/3 cup sugar) for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the pears and cool; then pack the pears into airtight freezer containers and cover with cold 40-percent syrup. You can also add ¾ teaspoon of ascorbic acid to a quart of cold syrup; this help retain color. When packing, leave ½ inch of headspace. Seal, label and freeze the containers for use up to 1 year.

Pear Side Notes

Some of the most common varieties of pears are: Anjou, Bartlett, bosc, comice, seckel, red Anjou, red Bartlett, and Asian pears.