This seems to be the pear equivalent of frost rings on the apples. Instead of rings, the pears developed cracks from the stem end. Later, the red skin peeled off starting with the cracks, leaving a brown corky surface.

The pears are alive and growing. When I cut one open, it looks fine on the inside. Question is - will they be edible with that skin?

Has anyone seen this kind of damage? It's new to me.