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Pear Preserves Recipe

Pear Preserves Recipe

This Pear Preserves Recipe is a simple, beginner-friendly method to make delicious homemade preserves that capture the natural sweetness and tender texture of ripe pears. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it ensures long-lasting freshness and versatile uses—from spreading on toast to glazing meats—offering a cozy autumnal flavor in every jar.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Variations

  • 12 cinnamon sticks or 2 star anise pods (for spiced pear preserves)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (for ginger infusion)
  • Additional mashed ripe pears or 1/4 cup apple juice (for low-sugar version)
  • 12 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (for herb infusion)
  • 1 cup chopped apples or quince (for mixed fruit preserves)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pears: Peel, core, and chop the pears into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking and a tender preserve texture.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the chopped pears, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to combine and dissolve the sugar before heating.
  3. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, cooking until pears are tender and the liquid thickens into a syrupy consistency, about 30-40 minutes.
  4. Add Flavor Enhancers: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add vanilla extract or optional spices like cinnamon sticks or star anise to infuse their flavors without overpowering the pears.
  5. Jar the Preserves: Once the preserves reach the desired thickness, remove from heat and carefully ladle into sterilized jars. Seal while hot and allow to cool completely before storing.

Notes

  • Use firm pears to maintain texture and avoid mushy preserves.
  • Stir often during simmering to prevent burning or sticking to the pot.
  • Cook longer if thicker preserves are desired but watch carefully to avoid caramelizing the sugar.
  • Properly sterilize jars and lids to ensure safe preservation and freshness.
  • Taste the preserves during cooking to adjust sweetness or spice levels as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pear preserves, homemade preserves, pear jam, fruit preserves, easy preserves recipe, beginner preserves