Some do, some don't, it just depends on the variety. I think as a rule, the later a variety ripens, the more likely it is to store for at least some time (at least, this seems to be true with European pears and the varieties of Asians that I have grown).

My summer varieties, like Seuri and Chojuro, will keep maybe a month at most in the fridge. The later ripening ones, Korean Giant (aka Dan Bae or Olympic) and Ya Li both will keep for me in the refrigerator until March or April, packed in small quantities in sealed plastic bags. I have a whole bunch of them right now in cold storage, and they are still nice and juicy and firm.

Dennis
SE Michigan

Thanks Dennis. So would you say the better varieties (for storage) store as well as apples?

Yes, more or less. I can usually keep the my latest apples, the Arkansas Blacks and perhaps the winesaps and delicious until April or even May in the frigde, probably about a month longer maybe than the pears. But, it's pretty good.

The only real problem is having enough storage space for them. I really need some type of a true root cellar or a lot more fridge space. Alas, probably not going to happen.

Dennis
SE Michigan

Dennis if you have the space you could try using a small chest freezer for storage. You can buy a thermostat from Northern Brewer that will allow you to set the temperature at whatever you desire to keep your harvest fresh in cold storage just like the groceries do.

In your zone Dennis, isn't a root cellar practical? Or are you short on space to make one?

Dennis, here in Michigan, a 6ft hole on the North side of the house, lined with hardware cloth, sealed properly to avoid rodents, and covered with straw, will be a great cellar. Presumably one would have to blow air in it, every now and again, if there were apples. With buckets of carrots, beets, and potatoes, you just pull a bucket when needed.