You’ve just come back from the market with some lovely pears and are wondering where to put them? In the fridge, on the worktop or in the fruit drawer? The answer is not so simple. Storing pears requires some care to prevent them from spoiling prematurely. Between ethylene gas, ripeness and temperature, there are several factors that influence their shelf life.
Ethylene, the invisible enemy of pears
Have you ever noticed that your pears ripen faster when they are close to certain fruits? This is due to ethylene, a natural gas that the fruit produces during ripening. Apples, bananas and avocados in particular release a lot of it.
If you place pears next to a slightly overripe apple in the fruit basket, they absorb this gas and accelerate their ripening. As a result, they turn blue within a few days. Frustrating, isn’t it?
To avoid the ethylene trap, keep pears away from the main producers of this gas. This is a simple but effective tip that can save you a few days of freshness.
Should I store my pears in the fridge?
Pears that are still firm need time
If your pears have just come from the store and are still hard to the touch, you shouldn’t put them in the fridge straight away. Instead, leave them to ripen at room temperature for a day or two.
The best way? Put them in a cool, airy place like a cellar, storage room or even on a shelf in the kitchen, away from heat sources. Gradual ripening allows you to better control when they are perfect for eating.
The fridge to prolong freshness
As soon as the pears have reached the right degree of ripeness – when they yield slightly to the pressure of your finger near the stem – you should put them in the fridge. The cold slows down the ripening process considerably and can buy you an extra week.
Be careful with the packaging: avoid tightly sealed plastic bags or airtight boxes. Pears need to be able to breathe to avoid spoiling.
The best ways to store pears
Technique with perforated paper
Here’s a trick that my grandmother used: Store pears in a kraft paper bag in which you poke a few small holes with a fork. This method allows good air circulation and ensures adequate humidity.
The art of arranging pears
Whether you store them in the fridge or in the cupboard, follow a few simple rules:
- Arrange them in a single layer without stacking them.
- Use a wooden box, a cardboard tray or a large plate.
- Check their condition regularly and remove those that show signs of decay.
- Turn them over carefully every few days to avoid bruising.
According to the producers of Rincón de Soto PDO pears, the ripening time varies depending on the time of year. In April, four days are enough for them to be fully ripe, while in the height of summer it is better to put them in the fridge straight away if you don’t want to consume them quickly.
What do you do with pears that have already been cut?
Your pears are peeled and cut, but you don’t want to eat them straight away? No need to panic! The oxidation that causes them to turn brown can be slowed down with a few tricks in the kitchen.
Lemon juice is still the classic must-have. A few drops on the slices and they retain their beautiful golden color. Pineapple juice also works well, as does lightly salted water (a pinch of salt in a bowl of water).
After this little anti-oxidation treatment, place the pears in an airtight tin in the fridge. They will keep perfectly for two or three days.
The trick with the transparent film
If you only have a few slices to store, wrap them individually in cling film to keep the air out. This way they won’t come into contact with oxygen and will stay fresh for longer than in an open container.
Adapt the storage methods to the different types of pears
Not all pears can be stored in the same way. Williams pears are more sensitive and do not store well at low temperatures, while Conference pears are more resistant to cold.
Autumn varieties such as the Doyenné du Comice generally keep longer than summer pears. Ask your local greengrocer about the variety you are buying so you can adjust your storage method.
To extend the shelf life of pears, store them in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, away from other fruits that produce ethylene. Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you!