Storing Pears

[MikeFromLFE]

We've finally got a pear crop worth mentioning.

The Conference pears would seem to be OK to store in a cool place, rather like apples. But I've also got some of the more juicy Comice type (it's actually Beth) with a soft flesh which would seem at first sight to be more difficult to store.

Any advice on storing pears - particularly the more juicy sort?

(We've tried juicing them and found the result disappointing, and we don't want to make pear cider)

[ScumOfTheRoad]

I am no expert - but don't you mak eaux-de-vie with pears?
Industrial quantities of vodka and some big sterilised jars?

[L CC]

I preserve them in spiced syrup. I have racks of kilner jars ready for the winter.
(Mum's pear crop this year was 6. Previously I've had to assist in the storage, not this year).

[CrazyEnglishTriathlete]

Comice are definitely more difficult to keep - they've just arrived in my local supermarket and the supply usually stops mid December.  Until then they are my pear of choice, I think they are referred to as the Queen of Pears.  Whereas Conferences are available all year round.  A bit of research suggests storing them in a refrigerator - not in a larder, and then taking them out for a couple of days to finish the ripening process.  For supermarket bought pears I normally eat them Wed - Fri after a Saturday shop.

[citoyen]

My wife preserves our pear crop (conference) by canning them in Kilner jars. She uses water for the liquid, with a bit of vitamin c to prevent them discolouring. They keep well.

You could probably do the same with Comice but they might go a bit mushy.

[CrazyEnglishTriathlete]

I am also willing to help people with their comice surplus