How to Store & Ripen Pears
- 1). Place pears into a paper bag or fruit bowl on the counter. Leave the pear at room temperature while it is still ripening. Speed up the process by storing it with other ripening produce, like bananas. The gas emitted by the bananas when they ripen will encourage the pear to ripen as well.
- 2). Test the top, or neck, of the pear daily for signs of ripening. Press slightly on the flesh of the pear at the top. If the pear gives slightly under the pressure, it is ripe. Bartlett pears will also turn bright green as they ripen.
- 3). Refrigerate pears for three to five days after they ripen. Cold temperatures will slow the natural ripening process, protecting the pear from becoming overripe, provided you put it into the refrigerator right away after you notice signs of ripeness.
Source...