They should be picked at optimum maturity when they are hard and the color has changed from dark to pale green. Select only perfect specimens for storage. Pears are very sensitive to temperature and should be stored at 29 to 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The storage life of some pears can be one third longer at 30 degrees Fahrenheit than at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, precise temperature control is required to prevent freezing.
Pears lose moisture rapidly.
For storage, wrap individually in tissue or newspaper and store in cardboard boxes lined with perforated plastic. Pears ordinarily do not ripen at storage temperatures as do apples. This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension.