How To Tell When Pears Are Ready For Picking??

[redhen]

Hi guys! I'm wanting to make some Pear Butter this weekend. But not sure when the pears are "ready" to be picked...

If they arent ready, will they taste funny?
Also... if anyone has a pear butter recipe, i'd LOVE if you would share it with us...

Thanks!

 

[darkmatter]

Quote:
Pears are the only fruit I know of you should pick before they become "tree ripe". If you allow them to become ripe on the tree, they will develop grit cells. To determine when to pick, just lift the pear and perform a half twist----if it pops off, then it's ready. If you can lift and twist and the pear stays on the tree, leave it. Once the pear is full size and starts to turn color, that’s when you should start the test for picking it. Once picked, place the pears in a paper bag with an apple and they should ripen within three days or so to a buttery smoothness.

 

[Oregon Blues]

The background color will start to turn from green to a more yellowish green. Then you gently lift the pear sideways, and if it is time, it will snap off the tree.

After that, you must store them in a single layer in flat boxes until they fully change color and give to a slight pressure.

 

[redhen]

Thanks guys! I checked them today..
I guess they didnt really come come off the tree too easily.... i had to "pick" them off...
And the ones i checked were still very hard inside?? (never ate pears before, dont know why..

)
But they were VERY yummy! Sweet and crisp... i now like pears..

Maybe i'll wait a few more days to pick them... i guess.. but i dont want to wait and till they get gritty inside..

I'll let y aknow how my butter comes out.. Thanks!