Pears are typically ready to be picked from late summer to early fall, depending on the variety and local climate conditions. Many pear varieties, such as Bartlett, are ready to harvest in August and September, while others like Bosc come later, in late September to early October. Pears are usually picked when they are mature but still firm, as they ripen best off the tree. A good test for readiness is to hold the pear and tilt it horizontally—if it easily comes off the branch, it is ready to pick. After picking, pears usually need several days at room temperature to ripen fully.

Key Points on When Pears Are Ready

• Pears do not ripen well on the tree; they are best harvested mature but still firm, then ripened off the tree.
• Maturity signs include skin color changes (varies by variety), a rounded shape, and the fruit detaching easily when tilted.
• Harvest time depends on pear variety: For example, Bartlett pears are picked August to September, Bosc pears late September to early October.
• The "tilt test" is a reliable way to check readiness: mature pears should come off the branch with a slight horizontal twist.
• After picking, pears require about a week at room temperature to ripen fully, or can be ripened faster in a paper bag.

This approach ensures pears are picked at the optimal time and will have the best flavor and texture when eaten.