FRESH MICHIGAN BARTLETT PEARS IPM, 28-30 LB

Unlike most other fruits, pears are picked when they're still unripe and are allowed to ripen off the tree. Otherwise they become mealy. When you get your pears, they should be mature but solid, so you can store them under refrigeration and ripen them when you're ready to can them or eat 'em fresh. 

Our neighbor, Wilda, is always able to keep her fruit longer than we are, so we asked her how she does it. I'm sure part of her trick is that their family consists of only two people, and you can bet they eat less than a house full of kids! But nonetheless, Wilda's technique is really good:

She puts a single layer of fruit (apples, pears, peaches) into a plastic grocery bag. Then she places a few paper towels over the first layer and creates a second layer of fruit. The paper towels absorb any condensation that forms inside the bags, and they probably help protect the fruit from bruising too. Finally, she slides another plastic grocery bag over the open end of the first, and voila! A very simple storage sack for the fruit enthusiast! Both bags are left open to allow plenty of air flow, and the whole thing is kept in a drawer in the fridge. 

The maximum length of time you can keep Bartlett pears in the fridge is usually about 3 weeks. The cooler the fridge, the longer they'll keep (within reason, of course). When you're ready to use your pears, allow about 3 or 4 days for them to ripen at room temperature.