I am getting my first decent crops this year and am finding a finger
press toward the top is a good gauge, like it is on many other
fruits. You have to press harder than for peaches and it leaves a
more noticeable dent, but it has been a reliable method for the four
varieties I have ripening now. I like them as ripe and juicy as
possible.
Scott
[NAFEX] When are Asian Pears Ripe?,
Scott Smith, 08/15/2007