Are pears worth it?

I inherited a pear tree, not sure what sort, always does quite well, but despite trying various ways of getting them to ripen off the tree (if left on they drop unripe and rot) without success. Not a fruit expert but think they may be Comice? Not sure if the exact variety is essential or if each variety needs different ripening conditions ...

Have tried putting in fridge, cool dark place, in a bowl with ripe banana blah blah blah.

Has anyone got any suggestions?

Cheers
GG

 

I had a conference pear tree overhanging my first house . I threw the pears away by the tonne in autumn as they were rock hard . Then my neighbour told me to just store them for a few weeks ( can't remember how long ), they were gorgeous then

 

We've a Chaumontel pear and they keep for months. Useless for eating but gorgeous when cooked. We just wrap them in newspaper in a cardboard box in the garage.

 

Thanks for replies.
I have taken some photos.

These kept in a brown paper bag and still hard after about 2 weeks. Two kept in a fruit bowl are equally hard as rock.



These kept in brown paper bag with bit of ripe banana peel also about 2 weeks, feel bit softer and closer to ripeness.



Can anyone identify from these photos?

Perhaps in the past I have been impatient with them as they just seemed rock hard after weeks in the kitchen. This years trial they are mostly in cardboard boxes, with brown paper protecting them. Is temperature of storage important? Hopefully this year I will get it right and be able to bottle up some as I have loads!

Thanks
GG

 

I think 3 weeks is nearer the mark for ripening Conference. I keep them in the warm lounge and press them gently near the top. When they yield it's time to cut one open. It should be wet and shiney inside and the sweetness will be there. Nothing nicer than a ripe pear...
Jenny

 

Thanks for replies.
Shiney - the colours are pretty accurate. The more I look at them the more I think they are Comice, but what do I know. They are too stubby looking for Conference which seem to have a narrow, more refined looking 'neck'. Anyway ...
Jenny - I have never had a nice pear from this tree so I think I will be even more patient, though I am going to have to find room to store them as they are currently cluttering up the pantry.

In hopes, I am going to look at some preserving recipies.

Cheers
GG

 

Would you lot stop yattering on about how to ripen your pears please. I have a pear tree which is just about to get the chop. Obviously ancient, not produced 1 pear since we have been here(10 years) and unlike my apple trees which have duly been remarkable with the great summer we had the pear tree has yielded zero! and I LIKE pears A LOT. Anybody who has surplus could they please send them to.........!

 

Is this any help GG?

https://www.google.com/search?q=pea...AeZ2YDYAg&sqi=2&ved=0CCgQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=752

 

Various people in my village have this 'problem' of excess pears all ripening at once plus an over abundance of cooking and eating apples - so I collect the lot, press them for juice and pasteurise.

 

We have 3 pear trees - a conference and 2 Williams (or so ive been told) - the conference is great lovely big pears and plenty of them

The first year we lived here the 2 Williams trees were loaded but last year and this all the pears have cracked and split early on and have never come to any size and have then just turned brown and fallen of off the tree

anyone one know what could have caused this ? - I think one of the Williams and the conference could share a root stock as they emerge from the ground together

 

Thanks sheal yes I'pondered and still I'm thinking .... Comice.

Cheers
GG