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Kentucky pears
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In the Bluegrass region, Bartlett pears are the best known and most abundant of the available pear varieties, but there are other types suitable for growing in Kentucky. Maxine pear has shown very little blight, has been productive, and the fruit is of high quality. Tyson is another early-ripening, medium-sized pear of good quality, which is also blight resistant. Richard Peters is a well producing, early pear and blight resistant. The Orient is very blight resistant, but is poorer in quality.
The best way to judge a pear's ripeness is by looking at its color. A Bartlett pear is green when it's unripe. When ripe, it changes to yellow. Other varieties might have a different ripe color. Look for pears that have no bruises or skin injuries. Buy pears that are firm to the touch at the store. They will soften as they ripen at home.
If the pears aren't quite ripe yet, store them in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature until the flesh responds to gentle pressure at the neck of the pear. Check them daily for ripeness. Handle pears gently, because they bruise easily. Bruised pears decay rapidly. When pears are ripe, you should store them in the refrigerator for a few days.
For more information on Kentucky pears, check out the website for Kentucky Proud. Also check out this article by the UK Agrigultural Department, Asian Pear Production in Kentucky.
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