How to ripen pears asap: The ultimate guide for perfect fruit

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that unlike many fruits, pears are one of the few that don't ripen properly while still on the tree? For a sweet, juicy result, they must be ripened off the branch. This guide will show you how to ripen pears asap for perfect, delicious fruit every time.

Quick Summary

Speed up the ripening process for hard pears by using their natural ethylene gas. By trapping this gas with a paper bag and adding other ethylene-producing fruits, you can achieve sweet, soft pears much faster.

Key Points

Fastest Method: Put pears in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to concentrate ethylene gas and speed up ripening to just 1-3 days.
Check the Neck: The most reliable way to test a pear for ripeness is by gently pressing the flesh near the stem; if it yields, it's ready to eat.
Ripen Off the Tree: Unlike many other fruits, pears do not ripen on the tree and must be harvested while firm to achieve a sweet, juicy texture.
Use a Paper Bag: Trapping the pears' natural ethylene in a brown paper bag ripens them faster than on the counter, typically in 2-4 days.
Different Varieties: Be aware that some pears, like Bartletts, change color when ripe, but others, like Bosc, do not, so rely on the neck test.
Slow It Down: To extend the life of ripe pears, store them in the refrigerator, which halts the ripening process for a few days.
Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic bags can trap too much moisture, potentially causing your pears to spoil rather than ripen properly.

Pears are a delicious and delicate fruit, but they can be frustratingly hard when you first bring them home from the store. The key to enjoying a perfectly sweet and juicy pear lies in understanding that they are harvested while mature but unripe. The ripening process happens after they are picked, and fortunately, there are several methods you can use to accelerate this, depending on how quickly you need them.

The Fastest Method: Paper Bag + Banana or Apple

For the speediest results, leverage the power of ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that promotes ripening. Pears produce this gas on their own, but you can give them a significant boost by trapping it and adding a source that produces even more.

The Technique: Place your unripe pears in a simple brown paper bag. Add a ripe banana or apple, as these fruits are potent producers of ethylene. Roll the top of the bag down to trap the gas inside.
The Timeline: This powerful combination can ripen pears in as little as 1 to 3 days, depending on their initial firmness.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check your pears daily when using this method to prevent them from becoming overripe.

The Quick Method: The Paper Bag Alone

If you don't have another ethylene-producing fruit on hand, a paper bag by itself is still highly effective. It works by trapping the ethylene gas naturally emitted by the pears.

The Technique: Simply place the unripe pears inside a brown paper bag and fold the top closed.
The Timeline: This method will typically ripen pears in about 2 to 4 days.
Important Note: Use a paper bag, not plastic. Paper is breathable, which prevents moisture from building up and causing the fruit to rot.

The Standard Method: Room Temperature on the Counter

For a more gradual approach, simply leaving the pears out on your kitchen counter is a reliable choice. This is the least hands-on method, but it takes the longest.

The Technique: Place the pears in a fruit bowl on your counter, ensuring they are not stacked on top of one another to avoid bruising.
The Timeline: Ripening this way can take anywhere from 4 to 7 days, or possibly longer, depending on the variety and initial firmness.
Acceleration Hack: Keeping your pears in a bowl with other fruit, even without a bag, will help them ripen faster than if they were alone.

How to Check Your Pears for Ripeness

The key to perfectly ripe pears is the "check the neck" test. Pears ripen from the inside out, so checking the main body can give you a false reading.

The Test: Apply gentle thumb pressure to the neck of the pear, near the stem.
The Result: If the flesh gives slightly, your pear is sweet, juicy, and ready to eat.
What to look for (variety dependent): Some varieties, like Bartletts, will also change color from green to yellow, but others, like Bosc and Anjou, will not.

Comparison of Ripening Methods


Method	Timeline	Effort	Considerations
Paper Bag + Banana/Apple	1-3 Days	Moderate	Best for the fastest results. Check daily to avoid overripening.
Paper Bag Alone	2-4 Days	Low	A reliable method if you don't have extra fruit. Use a paper bag for breathability.
Room Temperature	4-7+ Days	Very Low	The most passive method. Best for a slower, staggered ripening schedule.
Refrigeration	Delays Ripening	Low	Not a ripening method. Use only to preserve ripe pears for 3-5 days.

What to Do with Overripe Pears

If you've left your pears a little too long and they've gone soft or bruised, don't throw them away. Overripe pears are perfect for cooking and baking. They can add sweetness and texture to a variety of dishes. Some options include:

Sauces and Purées: Make a delicious pear sauce for pancakes or ice cream.
Baking: Use them in crumbles, muffins, or cakes.
Smoothies: Add them to your morning smoothie for a creamy texture and natural sweetness.
Soups: Some recipes use pears to add a touch of sweetness to savory soups.

Conclusion

Whether you need ripe pears for a recipe tomorrow or a slow, steady supply over the week, you have a method to suit your needs. The paper bag trick with an added banana or apple is the clear winner when you need to know how to ripen pears asap. Always remember to "check the neck" to confirm ripeness and enjoy the sweet rewards of your perfectly timed fruit. For more information on pears, including varieties and growing, you can visit the official USA Pears website.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only. Results may vary based on pear variety, ripeness at purchase, and room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest way to ripen pears is to place them in a brown paper bag with a ripe banana or apple. These fruits produce high levels of ethylene gas, which significantly accelerates the ripening process, often yielding results in 1 to 3 days.

Pears ripen from the inside out. The best way to check is with the 'check the neck' test: apply gentle pressure near the stem with your thumb. If the flesh gives slightly, the pear is ripe and ready to eat.

It is not recommended to use a plastic bag. A paper bag is better because it is breathable, allowing air to circulate. A plastic bag traps too much moisture, which can cause the fruit to rot instead of ripening properly.

Left on the counter at room temperature, a pear will typically ripen in about 4 to 7 days. Placing it near other fruits in an open fruit bowl can slightly accelerate this process.

Yes, you can use avocados to ripen pears. Avocados are also high producers of ethylene gas and can be placed in a paper bag with pears to speed up the ripening process, similar to using bananas or apples.

Once pears are ripe, you should store them in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will slow down the ripening process and help them stay fresh for several days, preventing them from becoming overripe.

Don't discard overripe pears. They are perfect for cooking and baking. You can use them in sauces, smoothies, purees, baked goods like muffins or crumbles, or even savory dishes.

Pears are climacteric fruits, meaning they continue to ripen after being picked. If left on the tree too long, they can develop a gritty texture and become mushy inside before the outside is ready. Harvesting them mature but unripe ensures a better quality fruit.