Picking apple pears (also known as Asian pears) requires a gentle touch to ensure you harvest ripe fruit without damaging the tree or the pears themselves. Here's how to do it:
-
Assess for Ripeness: Look for pears that have changed color slightly (depending on the variety, this could be from green to yellowish-green, bronze, or golden). Ripe apple pears should also have a slightly sweet aroma.
-
Gentle Handling is Key: Apple pears bruise easily, so handle them with care.
-
The Picking Technique:
- Cup the fruit: Gently cup the apple pear in the palm of your hand. Support its weight from below.
- Lift and Twist: Lift the fruit gently towards horizontal. A ripe apple pear should detach easily with a slight twist. Avoid pulling straight down, as this can damage the spur (the short stem that bears fruit).
- If it doesn't detach easily: If the fruit resists detachment with gentle pressure, it's likely not fully ripe. Leave it on the tree for a few more days and check again.
- Handle carefully: Place the picked pear gently in a basket or container to prevent bruising.
-
Avoid Dropping: Never drop the fruit into the basket or onto the ground.
-
Storage: Apple pears can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
By following these steps, you can successfully pick apple pears and enjoy their delicious flavor.
