In California, July marks the beginning of pear season. The tree in our backyard is already full of fruits and I’m already thinking of ways to use them.
Before having a pear tree, I would just buy my pears in a grocery store without much thought on how to choose them. So when our tree beared fruit, I picked a bunch and sliced them up. Not good. The pears were hard and not sweet at all.
I feel silly not knowing this, but I had no idea that pears don’t ripen on the tree. Pears need to be harvested when mature and left at room temperature to ripen. Who knew?!
Not only do pears not ripen on the tree, some will not change color when ripe. So how do you check for ripeness? The best way to check for ripeness is to press on the neck of the pear near the stem (please disregard the dry hands). If the pear gives way or is slightly soft, it’s ripe! Once the pear is ripe, place them in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process.
Now that I know how to ripen pears (who0-hoo!), I’ve been getting ready for the abundance of pears by searching for recipes on Pinterest. Here are a few of my 10 summertime pear recipe favorite picks from Pinterest. Enjoy!
- Caramel Pear Crisp @Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
- Pear Cheesecake Bars @Life Made Sweeter
- Caramelized Pear Pie Filling @Kleinworth & Co.
- Coconut Milk Ice Cream @Farm On Plate
- POMegranate and Pear Sorbet @Lick The Bowl Good
- Crescent Roll Turnovers @Weary Chef – uses canned pears but I think this can be adapted
- Chocolate Dipped Pear Popsicles @Around My Family Table
- Maple Pear Cupcakes @Java Cupcake
Do you have a favorite pear dessert recipe?
Oh Yum! I get so excited each week to see what you have been working on because it’s always AMAZING! Thank you for sharing this with us. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we can party!!!! Lou Lou Girls
I love pears, and these look so good. Thanks for linking to the Do Tell Tuesday party!
Oh the joy of having a pear tree around. Fresh pears and goodies galore
Homegrown pears–so good! The recipes look delicious as well. Please consider sharing on our link party #OMHGWW
I love pears and used to have neighbors with a tree. But, no longer do. I get them occasionally but, don’t have a favorite recipe. Thanks for sharing some of yours.
I wish I had enough sun in my yard for fruit trees! But I’ll have to settle for my store bought pears for now. They all look delicious! Thank you for sharing. #MerryMondays
We used to have a pear tree too. It’s amazing how much fruit we harvested every year. Your recipes sound delicious. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty
I didn’t know how pears ripen, either!
How great to have your very own pears growing in your backyard. 🙂
I know right?! I can’t believe I’ve gone for so long not knowing this information.
Yes, it’s nice to have some fruits and veggies in the backyard. Our neighbors like it too. They have small children and they enjoy picking the fruits that hang over in their yard.
These sound so yummy! Thanks for sharing with the Thursday Blog Hop!
Thanks for letting me share and for taking the time to come over.
Thanks so much for sharing my pear recipe!! I love pears… I think I need to try some of the other recipes you shared!! 🙂
I can’t wait to give your recipe a try! Thanks for putting it out there and sharing it.