Tip of the Day: Select the perfect pears

by Max Shrem, Posted Oct 18th 2008 @ 7:45PM

Picking pears this fall? Choosing pears is not like picking peaches or plums. Unlike most fruits, pears are best when picked hard and unripe. They improve in both texture and flavor after they are picked, and they ripen from the inside out.

My favorite fall fruit is without a doubt the sweet succulent juicy pear. By using the following steps you can easily pick the best ones: avoid pears with bruises or cuts and dark brown colors; purchase pears while slightly green because they ripen better and faster off the tree; look for pears with a smooth unblemished skin. Are you planning on baking your pears? If so, pick ones that are firm.

Pears last a long time stored in the refrigerator. If they're unripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for two to three days. Alternatively, you can store them in a ventilated fruit bowl in a cool, dark place. As soon as they ripen, refrigerate them.

When eating pears, relish the skin! It's a great source of fiber. A medium sized pear provides 4 grams of fiber. This is 16 percent of the recommended daily value.

Filed Under: Tip of the Day, Ingredients
Tags: fall, fruit, pear, pears, tip of the day, TipOfTheDay