Handling California Bartletts California Bartlett Pears reach their best eating potential at a flesh firmness of 3 lbs. or less. However, fruit at this firmness can bruise easily. As a result, ripening to an intermediate firmness of 8-10 lbs prior to display is recommended. Once California Bartlett pears have reached this level, cold temperatures will only slow further ripening, not stop it. Ripen California Bartletts in anticipation of sales volume.
	Display Tactics-Split Displays by Color Increase your pear category sales by offering consumers both ripe, Ready-to-Eat Bartlett pears and breaking Bartletts that will ripen easily at home in 3-4 days. By offering education and choice, consumers will be able to buy more pears on their visit and increase your front-end ring.
	Multi-Variety Displays after August 15th Pear category growth comes faster by offering a variety of California Pears. Set the plan-o-gram now for multi-variety pear displays beginning mid-August. Price to mix and match and you’ve added customer convenience while increasing your volume and per-purchase ring.
	Use the successful “easy to ripen” consumer information card to educate your customers and move more Bartletts.
	Proper ripening and handling is the key to a successful retail season. Click here for complete information about the ripening and handling of California Bartletts.