Check out this step-by-step guide for the best way to cut pears.
Key Takeaways
Pears are a tree-grown fruit widely available in the United States and around the world.
Like apples, they are typically harvested in late summer and into mid-fall.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
How you cut a pear really depends on what you plan to do with it.
For example, will you be snacking on it withcheese and charcuterie?
Perhaps you want to slice it for a salad.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Or maybe you have hopes of poaching it for a dessert.
Here are tips we recommend.
Check For Imperfections
You’ll want to be on the lookout forfruit that appears unbruised and unblemished.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Don’t buy pears that have mushy spots, cuts, or indentations.
Pears should have a pleasant scent, even before ripe.
Most pears, however, dont change color when ripe though their color may deepen.
Some brown on a pear is not an indication that it’s going bad.
Gently press your thumb at the base of the pears stem.
If you feel a slight give in pressure, the pear is ripe and ready.
How To Cut Pears Into Slices
Depending on use, cut pears into slices or cubes.
The goal is to cut as close to the core as possible to retain as much fruit as possible.
Your cutting board should be clean and free from any other foods to make cutting pears easier.
When peeling, always be sure to work the peeler away from your body.
Staying as close to the core as possible will also make for the most efficient pear cutting.
How To Store Pears
Store unripe pears at room temperature, allowing them a chance to ripen.
Don’t store unripe pears in the fridge because the cold temperature will delay ripening.
USA Pears recommends checking unripe pears daily to see if they have ripened yet.
Longer than that, and they may turn mushy or mealy.
If it’s possible for you to’t use them within five days, you canfreeze pearsfor later use.
USA Pears.Ripening and Handling.
