Recognize ripe fruit
Pears are characterized by a peculiarity, because they do not ripen evenly. The ripening process begins inside and extends outward through the pulp. Therefore, a fruit whose skin is firm to the touch may have ripened well. The color is not a reliable indicator for determining the degree of ripeness. So check the stem. If this gives way to light pressure on the base, the pear is ripe.
also read
- When are Nashi pears ripe?
- Harvesting pears - when are pears ready for harvest?
- Planting Nashi pears - tips on growing the apple pear
Cloth method
A gentle post-ripening is the storage of the fruit between a cotton cloth. Dry and mild room conditions favor the ripening process. The method is suitable for fruit picked early and was used in the 19th century. Century carried out to refine imported goods. The taste and consistency of such very unripe fruits improve in two to four weeks, depending on the room temperature.
Paper bag
The process is faster if you put the fruit in a paper bag. Pears secrete ethylene, which acts as a ripening gas. This causes the green plant pigments to break down so that pigments of different colors emerge. This increases enzyme activity and sugar production. The consistency changes as pectins are broken down. With this variant, fruits bought in the supermarket are ripe after two to four days.
Tips
Do not use plastic bags, because here the gases cannot escape and moisture is formed. This increases the risk of rot formation.
Apple method
Ripe apples also emit gases, which additionally accelerate the ripening process. Overripe windfalls reduce ripening to one day if you place it in the fruit bag. Do not leave the bag too long to avoid overripe. As a precaution, it is recommended that you pierce the paper in several places. In addition to bananas, pears and apples are among the fruits that secrete particularly large amounts of ripening gas. The holes provide additional ventilation and allow gas to escape.
Good to know:
- Alternatively, place the harvest in a bowl
- do not stack them as they are sensitive to pressure points
- Depressed areas turn brown and rot faster
Store ripe fruit
When the pears are tender, put them in the refrigerator. Due to the cold temperatures, ripening stagnates, so that the sweet aroma and soft consistency are retained for some time. After about five days you should consume the yield at the latest.
Storable varieties
Early varieties such as Williams Christ and Gellert's Butterbirne are less suitable for long storage. They ripen quickly and quickly lose their shelf life. Late Pear varietiesthat are ready for harvest in autumn can be stored for up to two months. Post-ripening works less well with them.