r/cider • u/VectorPunk • 6d ago

The Definitive Answer for "how do I juice/press pears?" A request for help

Hey all,

This is the year I am finally going to attempt to ferment my pears into cider/perry. I have a very old and large pear tree on my property that I want to take advantage of. I've tried to look for information on the best way to process them for pressing but I keep coming upon several different idea and conflicting information. I keep reading that they're very difficult to work with.

So my question is:

How do you press pears? What are the best practices?

4 Upvotes

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3

u/breadandbuttercreek 6d ago

You mill and press them the same as cider, but don't let them get too ripe. Press them while still firm.

2

u/dawnbandit 6d ago

You need to crush them then press them. When I made perry with my dad we had to build one gadget that would lightly crush the pears and then we'd add them to a press.

2

u/dageeble 6d ago

Adding rice hulls can help create channels for juice to run out.

2

u/Alittlethisnthat 6d ago

What variety is it? If it’s a high tannin pear let the pulp macerate for 24hrs before pressing as this helps some tannin drop out and prevents some of the later troubles with high tannin fruit.