The harvest season for Pears is from late August to early October.
Keep reading to find out the best way to select, store and prepare pears this season.
Selecting Pears:
Choose pears that are firm, but not too hard. To check, press with your thumb at the stem area and if it gives to pressure, it is ripe and ready to eat. Make sure to avoid pears with soft spots or bruises.
Ripening Pears:
Did you know you can increase the time it takes for a pear to ripen? If your pears are too firm, place them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple at room temperature. This can speed up the natural ripening process due to the ethylene gas the fruits release.
Storing Pears:
Once ripe, pears can be refrigerated to slow down the ripening process. Keep them in the crisper drawer to maintain their freshness.
Preventing Browning:
Pears can brown when exposed to air. To prevent browning, dip cut pears in a solution of lemon juice and water before using them in salads or snacks.
Eating Pears:
Pears can be eaten raw or cooked! When cooking pears they can be baked, poached, sautéed, or grilled. Their flavour becomes sweeter and more intense when cooked.
