The Best Time to Harvest Pears

Harvest Time

• The best time to harvest pears is before they are fully ripe, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. If the fruit is allowed to ripen on the tree, it develops an unpleasant flavor and gets gritty in texture. Pears are ready to pick when the skin color turns from green to a light yellow-green and there is a waxy look to skin. The white dots on certain pear varieties will change to brown at this stage. Pears are harvested in late summer to fall.

Harvesting Method

• Remove the pear from the tree by taking the entire fruit in the hand and then lifting and twisting it off in a single motion. The fruit may also be harvested by holding the spur in one hand and using the other hand to lift and twist off the fruit. Do not yank or pull off the fruit because this damages the short woody stems called spurs. If spurs are damaged or removed, it reduces the flower and fruit production for the following year.

Storing Pears

• In order to ripen pears, place fruit in lightly covered containers or in perforated plastic bags. The humidity around the fruit increases the exchange of natural gases, which causes the fruit to start ripening. Fruit ripens best at room temperature rather than in the fridge. Fully ripe pears have a deep golden color. Test ripeness by pressing the flesh lightly with your thumb at the stem end. A soft flesh indicates ripeness.

Growth Requirements

• Pear trees adapt well to a variety of well-drained soil types with a preferred pH of 6.5. Avoid planting in poorly drained sites or in ground with a high water table. Amend very sandy or clay soils with organic matter such as compost prior to planting. This addition improves fertility and drainage of soils. Select an area receiving full sun for optimal growth. Recommended planting time is during spring from early to mid-May.