HOW TO 

CHOOSE, 

RIPEN

& STORE

WHEN IS A PEAR RIPE?

Pears ripen from the inside out, and while some varieties of pears change colour when ripe, others show little or no change in colour.

To check if a pear is ripe, press the flesh gently near the stem.
If the flesh gives a little, the pear is ripe and ready to enjoy.

If you like a sweet, crunchy pear, it can be eaten straight away. If you like a softer pear, then leave it for another day or two.

SPEED UP RIPENING

If your pears are not quite ripe, try these handy ripening tips.

Place pears in a paper bag and keep at room temperature. This traps the ethylene gas the pears emit, encouraging them to ripen faster.

Keep them in the fruit bowl with bananas or apples, which also give off ethylene gas that encourages ripening.

To really speed up the process, place pears in a paper bag with a banana.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PEARS

Avoid fruit with large, dark or soft spots and tears in the flesh.

If you want to enjoy pears straight away, press the neck gently to check if they are ripe.

 HOW TO STORE UNRIPE PEARS

Pears should be stored at room temperature to allow them to ripen.

Check them daily so they don’t become overripe.

 HOW TO STORE RIPE PEARS

Once pears are ripe, they will stay fresher and last longer when stored in the fridge. Refrigeration helps delay the ripening process.

Avoid stacking ripe pears to prevent bruising.

TOP TIPS FOR ENJOYING

QUICK RINSE

Give pears a quick rinse right before enjoying.

HANDLE WITH CARE

Pears are delicate, handle with care to avoid bruising them.

BLEND

Pears are a great way to add natural sweetness to a smoothie.

PREVENT BROWNING

Dip sliced pears in a solution of water and lemon juice. Store cut pears in an airtight container in the fridge.

LUNCHBOX HACK

Slice into quarters and tie back together with a rubber band to help prevent the flesh from oxidising.

COOK

Don’t throw away overripe pears – use them to make jams or chutneys instead.

Pears Nutrition

Types of Pears

View our Recipes

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