Home Garden

How to Harvest Korean Pears

Asian pears (Pyrus pyrifolia) are a large variety of pears noted for their sweet flavor. Within this group, some varieties are considered Korean pears including Okysankichi, Shingo and Dan Be. Korean pears are typically harvested in late summer or fall, but when exactly varies among cultivars and climates. Applying some general guidelines helps determine when to harvest Korean pears and then harvest them every two or three days so the pears don't overripen on the tree.

Instructions

    • 1

      Wait until the Korean pears ripen on the tree. In general, most Korean pears turn yellow when ripe. This usually begins anytime from late summer until midfall, depending on the variety and climate.

    • 2

      Lift and twist the ripe pear off the branch. If this is difficult, the pear is not quite ready for harvest.

    • 3

      Taste a pear to verify it is ripe. If it is sweet, continue harvesting similar pears. Note that some Korean pears, such as Okusankichi, produce more flavor in storage.

    • 4

      Store harvested pears at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. They stay fresh for two or three months, but this varies among cultivars. Korean pears do not ripen any further at this temperature, but the flavor may improve. In the refrigerator where temperatures are a bit warmer than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, expect the pears to stay fresh for up to five days.