Firm and green? Not a pear problem

What are hitting their peak at local markets? Bartlett pears. Pears will continue to ripen off the tree (indeed, they really have to ripen off the tree to avoid a woody texture). So if your pears are a little green and firm, just leave them at room temperature and they'll finish up nicely. Then you can refrigerate them. Click here for more at our Market Fresh photo gallery. It's your guide to selecting the freshest produce of the season -- and what to do with it once you get it home.