Store at Room Temperature Until Ripe: Pears ripen best at room temperature. Place them on the counter or in a fruit bowl, away from direct sunlight, until they reach your desired softness. This allows the fruit to develop its full flavor.
Check Ripeness Daily: Pears ripen quickly, so check them daily. Gently press near the stem to see if the fruit yields to the pressure. Once ripe, it's time to store them in the fridge for longer freshness.
Refrigerate Ripe Pears: Once pears are ripe, move them to the fridge to slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life. Refrigeration can keep pears fresh for about 3–5 days.
Avoid Storing Pears with Strong-Smelling Foods: Pears are sensitive to strong odors, so keep them away from foods with strong scents like onions or garlic to avoid flavor contamination.
Use a Ventilated Drawer: In the fridge, store pears in a produce drawer with proper ventilation. This helps maintain air circulation, reducing moisture buildup and preventing spoilage.
Don't Store Pears in Plastic Bags: Plastic bags can trap moisture and promote mold growth. Instead, store pears in a paper bag or a perforated container that allows for airflow.
Separate Ethylene-Producing Fruits: Pears produce ethylene gas, which can speed up the ripening of other fruits. If you're storing pears alongside other fruits, be mindful of this and keep them separate to avoid premature ripening of the other produce.