Bartlett

These first ripe pears have been a favorite of home canners for generations. Tender and juicy when ripe, they complete any Labor Day meal. An overripe pear will be stringy and soft in the jar.

Approx. Picking Date: Sept. 3

D'Anjou *

These are the most common and popular of winter pears. Firm and juicy, many people like them still crunchy, but if allowed to fully ripen, they will mature all starch to sugar, and be creamy smooth and sweet.

Approx. Picking Date: Sept. 19

Bosc *

These long necked narrow pears, when ripened properly are a delight. Less yellow than Bartlett or D'Anjou, these will have a cinnamon russet finish over the background yellow.

Pears are one fruit which must be harvested green and ripened off the tree. Place them in a cool place. Ripening fruit produces ethylene gas, so to ripen pears evenly, cover the box with plastic or newspaper. To speed ripening, add a ripe apple or banana. To delay ripening, refrigerate. Inspect every day or so, and use them just as they turn a smooth all over yellow, but still some-what firm to touch.

* Harvested mid-September to early October, "Winter" varieties listed above need a month or longer at near 30 degrees before ripening for use. Since we close the last weekend in October, we do not normally have them available.