Michigan State University Extension
Preserving Food Safely - 01600657
10/13/97
Several varieties of pears can be stored for fall and
winter use in a basement fruit cellar. 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. If pears are stored too long or at too high
(above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for most varieties, but as low
as 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for Keiffers) they will
break down without ripening, often becoming rotten inside
while the outside looks sound.