"Des Higgins" wrote in message
. ie...
We have a pear tree and live in a cold damp wet country.
A small number of pears ripened this year and some continue to ripen but
the great majority never ripen.
Anyone know what to do with them other than throw them over the back wall
at our neighbours?
I heard someone mention poaching and storing unripe pears; anyone know how
to do that?

Des in Dublin

You probably have 'Conference' pears ( fairly long appearance ), as I think
the other usual type 'Williams' ripens in early September. I picked my
Conference a couple of weeks back whilst they were still hard and they have
all ripened up gradually in the fruit bowl. Pinch the neck firmly to see if
they are ripe, the flesh will give way a little if they are ripe.

Andy