Capture the essence of nostalgia with this delightful Old Time Pear Preserves recipe, a classic treat that turns juicy, ripe pears into a luscious, golden-hued preserve bursting with flavor. Featuring the perfect balance of sweetness from granulated sugar, a bright twist of lemon juice, and the optional warmth of ground cinnamon, this recipe is a true celebration of simple, time-honored ingredients. With just four pounds of pears simmered to perfection, the fruit becomes irresistibly tender in a thick, glossy syrup infused with hints of citrus zest. Ideal for spreading on buttery biscuits, layering into pastries, or pairing with a gourmet cheese platter, these preserves are incredibly versatile and long-lasting when canned. Perfectly suited for cozy mornings or elegant entertaining, this recipe is a must-try for preserving seasonal bounty. Keywords: pear preserves recipe, homemade preserves, old-fashioned pear preserves, canned fruit recipes, pear jam with lemon zest.
Peel, core, and slice the pears into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sliced pears, sugar, lemon juice, water, and lemon zest.
If desired, add the ground cinnamon for a hint of spice.
Gently stir the mixture to coat the pears with sugar. Allow it to sit for 1-2 hours at room temperature. This will help the pears release their natural juices.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pears are translucent and the syrup has thickened.
To test the consistency of the preserves, place a small amount of syrup on a chilled plate. If it thickens and doesnβt run, itβs ready. If not, continue simmering and test again after a few minutes.
Once the preserves reach the desired consistency, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
Ladle the preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for long-term storage, or allow the jars to cool completely and store them in the refrigerator for immediate use.
Serve the pear preserves on toast, biscuits, or alongside cheese platters. Enjoy!
Calories |
4099 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.1 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 28 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1084.1 g | 394% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 57.2 g | 204% | |
| Total Sugars | 978.2 g | ||
| Protein | 6.3 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 197 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 2143 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.