Robbie Sigona’s Produce Tips for Bartlett Pears

These aren’t just any Bartletts, they’re locally grown, dry-farmed and heirloom organic Bartlett pears from Dashing Ranch.

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  You've got to try the local, dry-farmed and heirloom organic Bartlett pears from Dashing Ranch!

  Bartletts turn yellow and have a sight give to them when ripe. Usually the more yellow they are, the riper they are.

• It’s hard to tell when they are overripe. Sometimes when a pear looks too ripe it still is ok. Just not too soft or too yellow is your best bet.

• The scarring and scabbing is caused by the branches, sun, or just the way they grow. Commercial farmers usually take those out and pack as a second grade. Without sprays it’s difficult to keep out any pests, so the organic tend to have more cosmetic defects.

• The other pears aren’t even close to being in season yet. Look for more in-season pears to hit the shelves between October-February.

Robbie Sigona is produce buyer for both the Redwood City and Palo Alto Sigona’s Farmers Market locations. He works with local farmers and scours the market for the very best in fresh fruits and vegetables — some you won’t find anywhere else.