Storing home grown pears correctly is essential to enjoy your harvest for as long as possible. The key methods involve creating the right environment for slow ripening.
Best Practices for Storing Pears
Pears, unlike many other fruits, are best harvested when they are mature but not yet ripe on the tree. They ripen successfully off the tree. Proper storage helps manage this ripening process.
Main Storage Method: Bag Storage
One effective way to store home grown pears is using bags to control humidity and airflow.
- Select healthy, unblemished pears. Avoid storing bruised or damaged fruit, as this can spoil the entire batch.
- Fill a bag with 2-3kg (4lb 6oz - 6lb 10oz) of fruit. Using bags helps maintain a stable environment around the pears.
- Pierce several holes in the bag and fold the top loosely to allow air circulation. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to rot, while still retaining some humidity.
- Store these bags in a cool, dark place. An ideal location is a cellar, garage, or shed where temperatures are cool but stay above freezing (ideally between 0-4°C or 32-40°F).
- Check the pears regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) for signs of ripening or spoilage. Remove any fruit that starts to soften or show decay.
Delaying Ripening: Refrigerator Storage
If you have a large harvest or want to extend the storage period for a portion of your pears, the refrigerator can be used to slow down ripening significantly.
- Storing some pears loose in the salad compartment of the fridge can help to delay ripening until after those in store have been used.
- The cool temperature of the refrigerator puts the ripening process on hold.
- Ensure the pears are not enclosed in sealed containers or bags without holes, as this can trap moisture and cause spoilage.
Comparison of Storage Methods
Here's a quick look at the primary methods:
| Method | Location | Condition | Purpose | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bag Storage | Cool, dark place | Bag with holes, top folded loose | Long-term storage | 2-3kg (4lb 6oz - 6lb 10oz) per bag |
| Refrigerator (Loose) | Fridge crisper | Loose, unbagged or in breathable bag | Delaying ripening | Flexible, typically smaller batches |
Tips for Success
- Harvesting: Harvest pears when they are still firm but the stem easily breaks when lifted and twisted slightly. Do not wait for them to soften on the tree.
- Pre-cooling: If possible, cool pears down quickly after harvesting before placing them in storage.
- Ripening Pears for Eating: When you want to eat the stored pears, take them out of storage and leave them at room temperature. They will ripen in a few days. Check the neck near the stem for softness as an indicator of ripeness.
- Handling: Handle pears gently to avoid bruising, which can lead to rot during storage.
By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your home grown pear harvest and enjoy delicious fruit for months.
