Ripening Pears??

[Schroeder]

Do the same ripening rules apply to asian pears, or should I treat them like apples?

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

Good question re the asian pear. I have about 30 on my tree and don't know when to pick them.

 

[ducks4you]

They might be ready now (early). On Illinois Gardener last week a caller asked if his garden was subject to an excess of "heating degree days," like the crops. We in Illinois, who watched farmers try to harvest in 2009 (and some had to wait until February, 2010 to harvest their fields), are watching fields that have just been harvested THIS WEEK!!!!! I saw a soybean field completed yesterday and two corn fields almost finished harvesting this morning.

 

[ducks4you]

From my Spiced Pear Tree, yesterday~

 

[schmije]

Our pears are ready to be picked also. The only thing I've ever done is make pear relish, which is similar to a Chow Chow. We eat it on beans and peas as a sweet/hot condiment. I will hot pack some fresh this year. What else is possible? I do not like pear preserves. I would probably like pear jelly if I could get the consistency of jelly or jam. Suggestions and recipes welcome. We have probable more pears than we can possibly use. Of course we will be giving some away to friends and other family.

I have two pear trees, so I'm always looking for good ideas. Pear butter is really good. My recipe has cinnamon and nutmeg. I've made something I call "Pear sauce". It's basically applesauce, but I use pears instead of apples. You can also do a web search for pear bread. I have a very good recipe that a friend gave me. Have you ever tried drying pears? They'd probably be good. I think I'll try that this year.

 

[jojo54]

New to pears - didn't know they needed to finish ripening off the tree. Thanks.

 

[vfem]

I am making pear schnapps today, I filled up 4 pint jars with cut up pears, 1 tbsp sugar and cheap vodka. I think they will make great gifts for Christmas!

 

[wifezilla]

ooooooo...good idea!

 

[Kim_NC]

Our pears are ready to be picked also. The only thing I've ever done is make pear relish, which is similar to a Chow Chow. We eat it on beans and peas as a sweet/hot condiment. I will hot pack some fresh this year. What else is possible? I do not like pear preserves. I would probably like pear jelly if I could get the consistency of jelly or jam. Suggestions and recipes welcome. We have probable more pears than we can possibly use. Of course we will be giving some away to friends and other family.

I always can some pears in light syrup. Also, I make pear pies and can pear pie filling for Winter use your favorite apple filling recipe, but sub the pears for the apples. We also like pear butter like apple butter, or peach butter, but using pears.

Do you have a steam juicer? You could use it to get pear juice to make jelly. Or chop pears, cover with water, bring to a boil, cook 10-15 mintues, then strain for juice and make the jelly.