How to Pick and Process Pears
U-picking pears is fun and easy. In fact, it’s almost too easy. If you end up with an abundance of pears, here are some ways to process them to enjoy year-round.
August 31, 2023 | BY LEAH SIKORA MOORE
U-pick pear season has begun at ME & Moore! But it’ll be over before you know it. Seriously, don’t wait! The season for u-pick pears always goes by quickly. If you pick them green and store them cold, they last for quite a while. If you miss out on u-picking, don’t worry, we will have them available at the stand. If you want a large quantity, but don’t want to u-pick or miss out on the u-pick window, call us to inquire about placing an order.
Enough with the business, on to the pears! Here are some tips for picking, as well as some processing and cooking inspiration.
How to Pick Pears
The biggest thing you want to watch for when picking pears is color. You want to pick them as green as possible and let them ripen at home. Pears that fully ripen (turn yellow) on the trees usually have a bad center.
To pick a pear, cradle the bottom and rotate the fruit upward like you’re turning it upside down. It should snap off at the abscission zone, a natural weak spot on the stem. If it doesn’t snap off easily, it’s probably not ready to come off, so it’s best to leave it be and move on to another. Don’t pull on a pear to pick it as it often isn’t effective and you could damage the tree.
How to Process and Cook Pears
Dry
Dried pears are a favorite delicacy around here. The flavor is incredible and they are so sweet and satisfying. Dried pears truly are “nature’s candy.” This is also one of the quicker preservation methods since you don’t have to worry about peeling. Dry them in the dehydrator or in the oven.
Can
Canning pears is not as common as it used to be, but I love them on oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese. It’s a great wintertime snack, too, when you’re really craving that fresh fruit flavor. I haven’t tried it, but I like the looks of this guide for canning with or without added sugar.
Juice
Every year, Brian juices literal tons of pears to make our perry (basically pear wine) and let me tell you: fresh pear juice is sublime. The best part is that you can freeze, can, or ferment it for later enjoyment.
Freeze
Now this is a method I just happened upon while researching for this blog. I’ve never heard of freezing pears, but apparently you can do it and freezing, in general, is my preservation method of choice. This is the guide I plan to try this year.
Cook and Can or Freeze
For pear recipes that can be preserved for later enjoyment pear sauce and pear butter are the obvious choices here, but I’ve also heard of people baking and freezing pear pie. For in-season eating (though I bet these could be adapted to incorporate canned or frozen pears), here are some recipes that look delicious to me:
Caramelized Pear French Toast Bake
Jack’s Pear, Bacon, & Goat Cheese Quesadillas
Prosciutto, Pear, Mascarpone & Red Onion Tart
Pumpkin-Pear Crisps
Cornmeal Crepes with Figs and Pears
Pear Season at ME & Moore
Pear season has just begun, but the u-pick season for them goes fast. Come soon if you’re interested in picking them. Don’t forget that you can place an order with us for a large quantity to process if you miss out on u-pick. Contact us if you have questions and you can find general u-pick information, here.
