{
  "checked_on": "2026-10-10",
  "scope": "Qualitative guidance; no measured firmness or fixed ripening deadline",
  "categories": [
    {
      "category": "Firm European dessert pear",
      "decision": "Counter if you want it softer",
      "detail": "Check the neck gently each day.",
      "source": "https://www.usapears.org/pear-education/"
    },
    {
      "category": "European pear with a yielding neck",
      "decision": "Eat or refrigerate",
      "detail": "Cold slows further ripening.",
      "source": "https://extension.oregonstate.edu/food/preservation/preserving-pears"
    },
    {
      "category": "Asian pear sold ripe",
      "decision": "Crisp can be ready to eat",
      "detail": "Refrigerate for longer storage.",
      "source": "https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2025-07/sp_50_694_preservingasianpears.pdf"
    }
  ]
}