By what criteria are pears and apples sorted?

In the context of how pears and apples are sorted, size is a significant criterion used. Fruits of similar sizes are often grouped together to ensure uniformity in packaging, selling, and cooking. Size affects not only the presentation but also the overall consumer experience, as similarly sized fruits tend to cook or ripen at the same rate, providing a more consistent product when used in recipes.

While color, taste, and ripeness are also important characteristics of fruits, they serve different purposes. Color can indicate the type or variety, and can also suggest ripeness, but sorting by color alone might not accurately reflect the quality or maturity of the fruit. Similarly, taste is more subjective and not typically a reliable method for sorting fruits in a commercial setting. Ripeness determines when a fruit is ready to be eaten or used but can vary widely even within the same size category.

Thus, size remains a primary criterion for sorting pears and apples, making it the correct answer.