Description
Make delicious old-fashioned pear preserves with this simple recipe. Slowly cooked pears with sugar create a chunky, flavorful preserve perfect for canning or jarring.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups firm, ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Combine chopped pears, sugar, water, lemon juice, and ginger (if using) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
- Stir well to combine. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, to allow the pears to release their juices.
- Place the pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pears are translucent and the preserves have thickened to your desired consistency. Stir frequently during the simmering process, especially towards the end, to prevent scorching.
- To test for doneness, spoon a small amount of preserves onto a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute, then push it with your finger. If the surface wrinkles, it’s ready.
- Carefully ladle the hot preserves into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims clean, center the lids, and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (adjust time for altitude if necessary).
- Turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Check seals after 24 hours. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use firm, slightly under-ripe pears for best results; they hold their shape better during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste and the sweetness of your pears.
- For a smoother preserve, you can mash some of the pears with a potato masher during cooking.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop, Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg