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Garden Gate:  Pear trees (Old common pear) question...  |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 16 2008 : 07:09:24 AM
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We have a very old common pear tree in our yard, that didn't produce last year because of the ice storm, but this year, there is an abundance of fruit growing!!! I'm very excited, but honestly, this is only the second time since I've lived in the house that the tree has born fruit. It looks much healthier than it ever did, so I'm grateful, but I don't exactly know when the fruit will be ripened for picking. I want to can some pear butter and make some spiced pear cordial--and I'm going to have my hands full with all these pears!!!
This is the old type of pear, better cooking than eating. I recall that they were "full" by end of August and early September, but they are a green color, so I don't know what "ripe" is for them.
What is a good rule of thumb? If there is really no color variation, how will I know?
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2008 : 11:57:56 AM
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pears do not "ripen" on the tree. you'll need to pick them in about late August to mid September.
before some of them start falling off the tree.
If you can shake the tree and they start falling..then they are ready even though they still look greenish.
then to ripen them put them into paper bags for about a week..they will begin to change color and soften up
they will turn from green to a golden yellow color when ripened...or a reddish color depending upon the variety.
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 16 2008 : 1:03:48 PM
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Great! Thanks for the information...I'll mark my calendar right now to prompt me to check. Since it's in the lower yard, I forget about it :) And, I knew I was saving those paper grocery bags for something!!!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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elphie0503
True Blue Farmgirl
500 Posts
Samantha
Gilmer
Texas
USA
500 Posts |
Posted - Jun 17 2008 : 4:57:18 PM
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Jonni,
Would you mind sharing your cordial recipe???? I am interested in it since you have mentioned it...the whole "cold winters night" sparked my curiosity!
Samantha
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort~~Albright
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 17 2008 : 4:59:13 PM
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I'd be very glad to, Sam....I'm in the middle of making dinner and I will post as soon as I'm finished :)
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 17 2008 : 5:24:00 PM
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Sam...the recipe comes from Prairie Home Cooking by Judith Furtig. It's my favorite cookbook...
French Valley Spiced Pear Cordial
3 large or 6 small ripe but firm pears
2 cups cognac
2 1/2 cups vodka
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 small whole nutmeg
Place pears in a 2 quart widemouth jar or crock--something with a lid. Bring cognac, vodka and sugar to a simmer in a large saucepan, and continue simmering until the sugar dissolves, about 10 mins.
Pour hot liquid over pears. Add cloves, cinnamon sticks and nutmeg, distributing them evenly in the jar. Let the mixture cool, then close tightly and let sit in a cool, dark place for at least 6 weeks. Serve at room temperature, or reheat for a mulled pear wine.
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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elphie0503
True Blue Farmgirl
500 Posts
Samantha
Gilmer
Texas
USA
500 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2008 : 10:13:56 AM
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Sweet! Thanks so much...now I am ready for a cold December evening--after the kids have gone to bed!!!
Sam
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort~~Albright
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 18 2008 : 1:24:43 PM
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Or, Sam, you could just move through the day with a happy, new glow--kids or no 
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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82kygal
True Blue Farmgirl
548 Posts
Laura
Somerset
Kentucky
USA
548 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2008 : 05:05:56 AM
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I too have pear trees they were here when I bought the place but never really did anything with them. I also lost them all last spring with the early freeze but have lots this year. I am going to use them this year before my dogs and the deer eat them. I could never figure out why they didn't ripen right, now I know. Glad to have the great info. Thanks.
With God, all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)
What ever you are, be a good one. (Abe Lincoln) |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2008 : 12:44:08 PM
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Thanks, Rhonda! I appreciate the time frame...the summer is slinking by already, seeing it's passed mid-June. I didn't look at them last night--too busy looking at the blackberry brambles which are just to the left of the pear tree. Will do it tonight while the roast is cooking.
I will use my large bushel basket to put them on our porch, too. Hopefully, I'll have some success. Don't know if I can tackle them all, but if I can, folks will be getting Pear stuff for Christmas!!!!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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Garden Gate: Pear trees (Old common pear) question... |
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Pear trees (Old common pear) question...
