Fruit
Cornell Guide to Growing Fruit at Home
Educational Resources for Small Fruit Growers
New York State Berry Growers Association
Blueberries:
Grapes:
Strawberry Production:
- Home Garden Production
- More In-Depth Production Information
- Organic Strawberry Production
- Matted Row Strawberry Budget Information
Tree Fruit Production (Apple, Cherry, Pear, Peach, etc.)
Grafting and Budding:
Last updated October 26, 2022
Ripening & Handling Pears
A little known fact about the pear is that it is one of the few fruits that does not ripen on the tree. The pear is harvested when it is mature, but not yet ripe. If left at room temperature, it slowly reaches a sweet and succulent maturity as it ripens from the inside out.
As tempting as the pear might be right from the grocer’s stand, a little bit of patience and know-how will ensure the pear reaches its peak flavor.
So, how do you know when the pear has ripened to sweet and juicy perfection?
While a Bartlett’s skin color brightens as it ripens, most varieties of pears show little change in color.
The best way to judge ripeness for non-Bartlett varieties is to Check the Neck™: Apply gentle pressure to the neck of the pear with your thumb. If it yields to pressure, it’s ripe. Easy, isn’t it?