Do you refrigerate pears after purchase?

Whether pears should be refrigerated after purchase depends on their ripeness and intended use. Here's a general guide:

Unripe pears: If you purchased unripe pears, it's best to leave them at room temperature until they ripen. Refrigeration can slow down the ripening process. Place them in a cool, dry area on a countertop or in a fruit bowl.

Partially ripe pears: Pears that are partially ripe can also be stored at room temperature to complete the ripening process. Once they reach your desired ripeness, you can refrigerate them to slow down further ripening and enjoy them for a few days.

Fully ripe pears: Fully ripe pears should be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Refrigeration can help preserve their texture and flavor. Keep them in the refrigerator in the fruit drawer, where they can last for several days to a week.

If you plan to eat pears within a day or two, keeping them at room temperature won't significantly impact their quality or ripeness. However, for longer storage, refrigeration is recommended.

It's worth noting that placing pears in a paper bag can expedite the ripening process. This is because the ethylene gas produced by the pears gets trapped inside the bag, accelerating ripening. If you want to speed up the ripening of unripe pears, you can place them in a paper bag together with ripe fruits like bananas or apples.

As always, it's important to inspect your pears regularly for signs of spoilage or bruising, regardless of whether they are refrigerated or stored at room temperature.