Pears are a sweetly delicious, cooling fruit that brightens up the Fall. They are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Local pears are best from late summer through January but are available... in supermarkets year-round. Pears should be firm without any soft bruises or blemishes. Pears ripen only after they are picked so it’s important they be bruise-free. Keep hard pears at room temperature until desired ripeness. Storing them in the fridge will slow down the ripening process. Get more information on the health benefits of pears >