Produce
Fresh, whole or cut

PearShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govFDA

Pantry

3-5 days (unripe)

Store unripe pears at room temperature to ripen. Once ripe, move to the refrigerator.

Refrigerator

5-7 days (ripe)

Store ripe pears in a plastic bag or crisper drawer to maintain moisture. Keep away from strong-smelling foods.

Freezer

10-12 months (prepared)

Pears should be peeled, cored, and sliced before freezing. Pack in a sugar syrup or with ascorbic acid to prevent browning. Store in airtight freezer bags or containers.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Soft spots or mushy texture
  • Mold growth (fuzzy white, green, or black spots)
  • Off-odor or fermented smell
  • Significant discoloration or browning beyond normal ripening

Room Temperature Safety

Cut pears should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), discard after 1 hour. Whole, unripe pears can ripen at room temperature.

40°F–140°F

Once pears are cut, they become more susceptible to bacterial growth. Always refrigerate cut pears promptly. Whole, ripe pears should also be refrigerated for best quality and safety.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

Wash fresh pears thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.

2

Avoid cross-contamination by keeping fresh produce separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.

3

Discard any pears that show signs of spoilage, such as mold or excessive softness.

Related Items

Comparisons

Apple
Pantry
1-3 weeks
Fridge
3-4 weeks
Freezer
8-12 months (prepared)
Peach
Pantry
2-3 days (to ripen)
Fridge
3-5 days (ripe)
Freezer
10-12 months (prepared)
Plum
Pantry
2-3 days (to ripen)
Fridge
3-5 days (ripe)
Freezer
10-12 months (prepared)