Pears are a popular and healthy fruit that’s used in sweet and savory dishes alike. From poached pears in wine to pear and gorgonzola salad, pears are a versatile ingredient that can elevate almost any meal.
Pears are available year-round, but the peak time of year for pears is the fall. You’ll find the best selection and prices during this time. Pear farmers have also developed many techniques for storing pears for longer periods of time, and growers are now producing pears in both hemispheres, allowing us to enjoy pears all year.
This article will cover everything you need to know about pears, including:
- How to buy pears
- How to store pears
- How to ripen pears
- How to cook with pears
What’s the deal with pear season?
Pears are at their peak flavor and availability in late summer and early fall, but thanks to overlapping growing seasons, you can generally find pears year-round in well-stocked grocery stores.
Here’s a look at pear seasonality and how it affects availability and pricing.
Peak season and regional production
In the United States, pears are typically harvested from August through October. The vast majority of pears grown in the U.S. come from the western states of California, Oregon, and Washington.
Seasonal availability and pricing
Pear sales jump in September through November, and again in January, likely due to people seeking healthy options after the holidays.
Because of supply and demand, pear prices tend to be highest from April to June, when local pears aren’t as readily available.
Get to know your pears
Beyond the familiar shapes and colors, there’s a whole world of pears to explore. Here’s a quick guide to some of the more common varieties you’re likely to find.
European pears
- Bartlett: These pears have that classic pear shape. They’re sweet, juicy, and slightly gritty in texture.
- Anjou: You’ll find both green and red Anjou pears. They’re mild and sweet, with a firm, dense flesh that makes them great for poaching or baking.
- Bosc: These pears are known for their long, tapered necks and brownish skin. They’re crisp and hold their shape well when cooked, making them a favorite for pies and tarts.
Asian pears
Unlike European pears, Asian pears are typically harvested when they’re ripe and ready to eat. They tend to be round and crisp, almost like an apple.
Some examples of Asian pears include:
- Hosui
- Ooharabeni
- Chojuro
- Shinseiki
- Orient
- Peggy
- 20th Century
- Shinko
How to select ripe pears
Because pears don’t ripen on the tree, knowing how to select a ripe pear is key to enjoying this fruit at its peak sweetness. Here’s what to look for:
How to know when a pear is ripe
The best way to tell when a pear is ripe is to give it the “thumb test.”
- The thumb test: Gently press your thumb near the stem end, or neck, of the pear. If it gives a little under the pressure of your thumb, it’s ripe. Pears ripen from the inside out, so this is the most reliable way to tell whether a pear is ready to eat.
- Appearance and smell: Look for pears with smooth skin and no major blemishes or cuts. Smell the pear near the stem; a fragrant, slightly sweet aroma is another sign it’s ripe. Light bruising is normal and shouldn’t affect the taste.
How to tell when an Asian pear is ripe
Asian pears are a little different from other types of pears. Most pears get picked before they’re ripe and then ripen in storage. Asian pears, on the other hand, are usually harvested when they’re already ripe.
Ripening pears at home
If you’ve ever bitten into a pear that was hard as a rock, you’ll appreciate these tips for ripening pears at home.
Natural ripening
Pears will ripen naturally at room temperature in about 4 to 7 days. Just leave them on the counter and wait for them to give slightly when you press near the stem end.
Speeding up ripening
Want to speed things along? Try the paper bag method.
The paper bag method
Place your pears in a brown paper bag along with a ripe banana or apple. These fruits give off ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process. Close the bag loosely and check the pears daily.
Signs of over-ripening
It can be tricky to tell when a pear is past its prime. Sometimes, the skin will still look fine, even though the inside is mushy and brown. If the pear is very soft to the touch, it’s probably overripe.
Storing Pears for Optimal Freshness
Pears don’t stay fresh forever. Here’s how to make them last as long as possible.
Short-Term Storage
Storing Ripe Pears
Ripe pears will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days if kept at a temperature between 35 and 45 degrees. Keeping them in the crisper drawer will help them last longer.
Storing Unripe Pears
Unripe pears should be kept at room temperature until they ripen. Then you can pop them in the fridge.
Long-Term Storage
Freezing Pears
To freeze pears, peel and slice them, then lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the slices for a few hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 6 to 9 months.
Other Preservation Methods
For longer storage, consider canning your pears or making pear preserves.
Preventing Spoilage
Check your stored pears regularly for signs of spoilage, such as soft spots, bruises, or mold.
Prepping and cutting pears
No matter how you plan to use your pears, be sure to wash them well under cool running water before cutting into them.
Slicing, cubing, and coring
Cutting pears is easy. You can slice them, cube them, or core them, depending on how you plan to use them in your recipe.
- To slice a pear, cut it lengthwise from the stem to the bottom. Remove the core and seeds, and then slice each half into even pieces.
- To cube a pear, cut it into slices as described above. Stack the slices and cut them crosswise to make evenly sized cubes.
- To core a pear, use a paring knife or melon baller to remove the core from the bottom of the pear.
Preventing browning
Cut pears tend to turn brown fast, so it’s best to prepare them right before you need them. If that’s not possible, you can slow the browning by tossing the cut fruit with a little lemon juice before storing it in the fridge.
Culinary Uses and Pear Recipes
Pears aren’t just for snacking—they’re incredibly versatile in the kitchen! You can slice them into salads, bake them into desserts, or even use them to create flavorful sauces and preserves. Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:
- Pear Preserves: Simmer peeled, cored, and chopped pears with sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of spice until they reach a jam-like consistency. Seal in sterilized jars for a taste of autumn all year round.
- Pear Butter: A smoother, more concentrated version of pear preserves. Cook pears down with spices like cinnamon and cloves, then blend until creamy. Perfect for spreading on toast or adding to oatmeal.
- Pear Martini: Combine pear vodka (or regular vodka infused with pear), pear liqueur, and a splash of lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass for a sophisticated cocktail.
Beyond these recipes, pears can be used in so many other ways:
- Accompaniments: Pears add a sweet and tangy note to relishes and sauces, pairing especially well with meats like pork and chicken.
- Salads: Sliced or diced pears bring a delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch to salads. They complement cheeses like gorgonzola and walnuts beautifully.
- Desserts: From classic pies and tarts to rustic crumbles and crisps, pears shine in a variety of desserts. Their soft texture and delicate flavor make them a perfect complement to warm spices and buttery crusts.
Final Thoughts
Pear season is a special time of year! From late summer through winter, you can find a wide variety of pears at their peak of ripeness, from the familiar Bartlett to the elegant Bosc and the crisp Asian pear.
Pears are delicious on their own, but don’t be afraid to experiment with them in your cooking. They add a touch of sweetness and a delicate texture to both sweet and savory dishes. Try them in salads, pies, tarts, or even grilled with pork or chicken.
Whether you’re enjoying them fresh, baked, or grilled, pears are a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet. They’re a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and they’re relatively low in calories. So, celebrate pear season and enjoy all that this versatile fruit has to offer!