not far from the tree

We all know how to test the fruit in the grocery store to see if they’re ripe enough to eat: knock on the watermelon, smell the peach, or squeeze the mango. But how about knowing when the best time is to pick fruit?

Neat-o Fact #1: Unlike berries (such as serviceberries, cherries, or mulberries), pears are best picked when they’re not yet ripe. A pear left to ripen on the tree will probably develop a not-so-pleasant mealy taste and texture. However, it’s best to pick pears that are fully mature – that is, they’re not going to get any bigger.

There are a few good indicators to help you decide if a tree is ready to be gleaned. Neat-o Fact #2: Windfall (ie: pears on the ground) isn’t necessarily an indication that the tree is ready to go – often, the best harvest time will be weeks after the raccoons are already enjoying the muck in your yard.  Pear trees can naturally thin themselves throughout the season — you may even notice an early drop soon after the fruits have formed. This is to help the branches bear the load and be able to stay robust throughout the season.

Beyond the usual indicators of taste and smell, here are some of the more reliable indicators:

Colour — Often, pears (such as Bartletts) will gain some colour, or blush, and the bright emerald green will soften.

Ease of pick –A great test is to take a pear, move it horizontally, and twist slightly. If the pear and stem easily come off, you know it’s almost time!

Seeds — Neat-o Fact #3:Cut it open! An under-ripe pear will have creamy-coloured seeds, while a mature one will have black seeds.

In the end, ‘tis better to err on the side of caution. Pears store very well, and will ripen off the tree (unlike, say, cherries). You can throw them in a brown bag if you’re in more of a hurry to mow down.  But even an unripe pear is still a yummy treat!

Keep your eyes open for pear trees! And beyond that, why not knock on a few doors and let homeowners know about Not Far From the Tree.