Variety traits

Pear ripening periods

Pyrus communis L.

Pear varieties are classified by their ripening and consumption periods into summer, autumn, and winter, which determines the harvest and storage technology.

In the reference 322 varieties crop European pear, where this is mentioned in the description.

Pear varieties are divided into three groups. Summer varieties ripen in late July—August, have a short shelf life, and their harvest and consumption maturity stages coincide. Autumn varieties ripen in September and are suitable for storage for up to two months. Winter varieties are harvested in October before frosts, and their consumption maturity is reached during storage in December or January.

Determination of ripening periods is based on phenological observations of changes in skin color, seed darkening, ease of fruit stem detachment, and a decrease in flesh firmness. The number of days from mass flowering to harvest maturity serves as a guide for agronomists, although exact indicators depend on the sum of active temperatures in the region. For winter varieties, the ripening period under controlled storage conditions is a prerequisite for achieving optimal flavor quality.

General information about the subject — on the page Maturity group.

Sources8

Varieties of European pear mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.