How to Harvest and Store Pears for Best Quality

Overview

Unlike most fruit, pears must be picked before they fully ripen on the tree—otherwise the flesh becomes gritty. Harvest season is August–September. The process is the same for all varieties.

Step 1: Watch for Color Change

Pick when green skin turns light yellow (or lighter shade for red varieties like Red Anjou).

Step 2: Hand-Pick Gently

Twist fruit off at the stem. Fruit should feel firm, not soft. Commercial growers still hand-pick for this reason.

Step 3: Use a Ladder Safely

For high fruit, use a stable ladder placed near the tree.

Step 4: Handle with Care

Place pears gently in bins or crates—dropping causes bruising.

Step 5: Cold Storage Immediately

Store at 31–35°F to extend shelf life by lowering core temperature. Critical if not eating right away.

Step 6: Ripen at Room Temperature

Set on counter for a week. To speed up, seal in a plastic bag—pears emit ethylene gas that accelerates ripening.