(a) Mature means that the pear has reached the stage of maturity which will insure the proper completion of the ripening process.

(b) Before a mature pear becomes overripe it will show varying degrees of firmness depending upon the stage of the ripening process. Therefore, a statement of firmness should be given in order to indicate the stage of the ripening process. A description of the ground color should also be given.

(1) The following terms should be used for describing the ground color: Green, Light Green, Yellowish Green, and Yellow.

(2) The following terms should be used for describing the firmness of pears:

(i) Hard means that the flesh of the pear is solid and does not yield appreciably even to considerable pressure.

(ii) Firm means that the flesh of the pear is fairly solid but yields somewhat to moderate pressure.

(iii) Firm ripe means that the flesh of the pear yields readily to moderate pressure.

(iv) Ripe means that the pear is at the stage where it is in its most desirable condition for eating.