The harvest time for pears depends on the respective variety. The weather also has an influence on the timing. In good years the pears ripen faster than in rainy summers. How can you tell when the harvest is ready?
When are pears ready to harvest?
It is best to harvest pears when they have achieved the color typical of the variety, smell pleasant and can be easily removed from the stem. Harvest time varies between July and January, depending on summer, autumn and winter pears.
Harvest pears from July to winter
Summer pears are the first pears you can pick. The first fruits of very early pears can be harvested as early as July. Autumn and winter pears ripen later. Their harvest season begins in October and sometimes ends in January.
When are the pears ready to harvest?
You can tell when a pear is ripe when it has reached the usual coloring for the variety. Some pears are completely green when ready to harvest, others show dark red spots. Ripe pears can also be recognized by their scent.
To test, lift a bulb slightly and turn it gently. If it comes off easily, the harvest time has come. If it breaks off at the base of the stem, you should give your pears some more time in the sun.
This is how you know when pears are ready for harvest:
- Pear color
- Size of fruit
- Aroma of pear
- Turning test on the tree
Harvest in stages
Not all pears on a tree ripen at the same time. You often have to harvest them in stages. Pears that have received plenty of sun are more likely to ripen than those grown in the shade of the foliage. The location of the pear tree also plays a role.
Store pears properly
Table pears need to be eaten fairly quickly. This is especially true for early varieties. They do not tolerate longer storage times.
Pears that are to be stored for a long time must be picked with particular care. Under no circumstances should they have pressure points because they rot quickly in these areas.
Pick storage pears a few days before they are fully ripe. They then ripen a little further at a cool storage temperature.
Tips & Tricks
Pear trees can reach a considerable size. To harvest pears from tall trees, you need a sturdy ladder. Fruit pickers are also helpful. These are small nets attached to long poles with a jagged edge at the top. This allows you to gently remove pears growing very high up.
