How fast can pears ripen in a paper bag?

[anna_x]

I planned to make a gingerbread-pear cake but the pears are so unripe. Does anyone know if a miracle can happen in the next 20 hours? I put them in a paper bag with two very ripe bananas.

 

[cheezz]

Ripe apples work better, but 20 hours? Nope, don't think so... go for the canned!

 

[Marg CDN]

I'd go for it. They can ripen that quicky but you probably want underripe pears for your cake in

any case. I use them when they are just hinting at starting to think about beginning to soften.

Of course, they always ripen quickly when you don't want them to.

 

[shaun-in-to]

Check the 99-cent shelf at a greengrocer's for ripe (and overripe/bruised) produce

 

[CathyZ]

Anna, simmer them in water until they are soft then use for your cake.

 

[anna_x]

Marg and Cathy: they MAY be softening a teeny bit up by the stem,

so I closed up the bag again and will test in a couple of hours. Cathy, please tell me more about simmering them. Unpeeled?

 

[anna_x]

Nope. I'm baking a chocolate cake instead. Pears tomorrow? NT

 

[CathyZ]

Yes, unpeeled- poke holes with a knife all around. Cook until just barely tender.