Old Fashioned Pear Preserves
Capture the nostalgic essence of country kitchens with this Old Fashioned Pear Preserves recipe, a time-honored delight that transforms ripe pears into a luscious, spiced spread. Infused with hints of ground cinnamon and ginger, brightened by fresh lemon zest and juice, these preserves strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Slow-cooked to perfection over a few hours, the pears become tender and translucent, swimming in a rich, jam-like syrup. Ideal for gift-giving, spreading on warm biscuits, or serving with cheese boards, this small-batch recipe preserves the comforting flavors of pear season for months to come. Easy canning instructions ensure these preserves will stay shelf-stable for up to a year, making them a pantry essential for fruit preserve enthusiasts!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pounds ripe pears
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoons ground ginger
Instructions
Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin, even pieces (about 1/4 inch thick).
In a large, non-reactive mixing bowl, combine the sliced pears, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and ginger. Gently stir to evenly coat all the pears.
Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours or until the pears release their juices.
Transfer the pear mixture to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about 2-2.5 hours. The pears should become translucent, and the syrup should thicken to a jam-like consistency.
To test the consistency, spoon a small amount of the preserves onto a cold plate. If it thickens as it cools and doesn't run, it’s ready.
Carefully ladle the hot pear preserves into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal.
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4094 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.2 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 21 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1080.3 g | 393% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 62.4 g | 223% | |
| Total Sugars | 974.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.4 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 184 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 2160 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
