About Pears

• There are several popular varieties in Europe, some crunchy and firm, others soft and juicy
• Grown in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, so available much of the year

Selecting

Shape can vary from long and thin to squat bell-shaped. Skin color varies too, from green to golden yellow to tawny red. But most pears don’t change color when they ripen (Bartletts turn from green to yellow).

And the feel? Pears should be firm with just a hint of softness at the stem end. Buy firmer fruit for cooking.

Storing

Ripe pears have a very fragile skin that bruises and cuts easily. Dole harvests pears when they are young and firm, letting them ripen just before arrival in your store.
If you buy pears that are still too firm, they will ripen naturally at room temperature in a few days. You can keep ripe pears in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Eating

Wash your pears thoroughly and enjoy eating them out of the hand. You’ll know when they’re ready … they will yield to gentle thumb pressure at the stem end. But remember: pears ripen from the inside out, so the outside will feel firmer than the flesh inside!

Availability

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Growing regions

In Europe: Italy, France, the Benelux and Spain.
Other major producers: South Africa, Chile, Australia and USA.