Pick apples and pears from the tree using the gentle motions described in “ease of separation,” below. Do not shake fruit off the tree — this causes bruising and damage. Bruised and damaged fruit is not fit for storage and must be used quickly.

Apples

There are several signs of apple maturity:

• Color

• Firmness

• Flavor

• Ease of separation

• Dropping

These characteristics can help you determine when to harvest your apples. But the simplest way to test the maturity of your fruit is to cut it open and taste it.

Pears

Unlike apples, most pear varieties do not ripen to good quality while still on the tree. Pears ripen from the core outward and from the neck towards the calyx end. Pears that ripen on the tree will develop a coarse, mealy texture. Their cores often break down.

The two types of European pears — summer and winter pears — are classified by harvest dates and the postharvest conditions required for them to ripen. Pick both types when mature but not ripe.

As with apples, it’s important to know the usual period of maturity.

Color
The skin of ‘Bartlett’, ‘D’Anjou’ and ‘Comice’ will change from a bright green to a lighter green, slightly yellow color as they reach maturity. This trait is most apparent in ‘Bartlett’. The skin of some pears, like ‘Bosc’ and ‘Starkrimson’, will not change color. Pear flesh will become whiter and the seeds will be brown.

Firmness and flavor
Harvest your pears when they are still hard. Pears that are hard but sweet are ready to pick.

Firmness and flavor are not the best measures of maturity for pears in the home orchard. Pears that ripen on the tree will be poor in flavor and texture.

Again, harvest your pears when they are still hard. Pears that are hard but sweet are ready to pick. If they are hard and starchy, they need more time on the tree. This rule is more important for early and midseason pears.

Ease of separation
Mature pears usually detach easily when tilted to the horizontal position from their vertical hanging position. ‘Bosc’ pears, however, are always difficult to remove from the spur. Like with apples, grasp pears gently with your palm to reduce the likelihood of bruising the fruit with your fingers.

Fruit drop
Unlike apples, fruit drop is not considered a key maturity trait for pears.

(Source:  OSU Extension Service, https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/fs-147-picking-storing-apples-pears)