Classic Pear Preserves

In my opinion, pears don’t get enough attention when it people think of fruit to preserve. This easy pear preserves recipe will help you love pears like I do.

This recipe blends ginger and nutmeg to add a warm, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the pears. This recipe involves waterbath canning, making it perfect for beginners! Remeber to use fully ripe pears to ensure the right texture and flavor.

Prep Time:30

Process Time:10

Total Time:40

Equipment

Water Bath Canner
half pint jars

Ingredients

4 cups pears peeled (cored, and chopped)
2 tablespoon bottled lemon juice
2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla powder (or 2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
1 package powdered pectin (1.75 oz)
5 cups sugar

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Instructions

Prep for canning. Wash the jars with hot soapy water. Place them in a water bath canner and fill it with water so the jars are fully submerged with water. Set over medium heat and allow the jars to simmer. Place the lids and rings in a saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer. Do not boil.
Boil pears and flavoring. Add the pears, lemon juice, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla powder to a large 6-8 quart pot. Place over medium-high heat and stir all the ingredients so they’re well combined
Add pectin. Add the pectin and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil so the mixture cannot be stirred down. *Please note using unripe pears will not produce enough liquid for this to happen.*
Add sugar, stirring constantly. Add sugar and stir to combine. Continue to stir the mixture and bring it back to a full rolling boil. Once the mixture comes to a full rolling boil, set a timer for 1 minute stirring constantly.
Fill jars. Remove from the heat. Using a canning funnel and ladle, ladle the hot pear preserves into the hot jars allowing ½ inch headspace.
Clean rims and fasten lids. Wipe the rims with a clean moist towel. Optional step, moisten a paper towel with some vinegar and wipe the rims to ensure the rims are clean. Place the lids and rings tightening so they are fingertip tight.
Process for 10 minutes. Transfer the jars to the water bath canner making sure the jars are fully submerged in water with at least 1 inch of water over them. Set to high heat, cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, set a timer for 10 minutes. Process the preserves After 10 minutes, remove the canner from the heat, remove the lid, and allow the jars to sit for 5 minutes.
Cool and check seals. Remove the jars from the canner and transfer them to a heat-safe place. Allow them to cool for 12-24 hours. After 24 hours check the jars for a proper seal. Once a proper seal is confirmed you can remove the rings and store the jars in a cool dark place for up to 18 months or per the lid’s manufacturer’s recommendations.

Notes

Using unripe fruit may affect the recipe. Use fully ripe pears so the natural moisture and pectin are released during the cooking process.

Vanilla powder was used. You can use vanilla paste or even vanilla extract. If you’re using vanilla extract, double it for the same flavor.

Nutrition

Servings: half pints

Calories: 607kcal

Author: Katie

There’s something so satisfying about turning fresh pears into jars of sweet, spiced goodness. My family looks forward to spreading these preserves on toast for breakfast or over ice cream for a dessert. The warm flavors of ginger and nutmeg make them feel extra special, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.

Three jars of pear preserves lined up on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh pears and spices.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Tips for the Best Pear Preserves

Choose Ripe Pears: Fully ripe pears release more natural pectin and moisture, which is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
Prep Everything in Advance: Have all your ingredients measured and tools ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process.
Stir Constantly: When adding pectin and sugar, continuous stirring prevents the mixture from sticking and burning.
Check for Proper Seal: After cooling, ensure the jars are sealed by pressing the center of each lid. If it pops back, the jar isn’t sealed.
Vinegar for Clean Rims: Wiping the jar rims with vinegar ensures no residue interferes with the sealing process.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Here are a few key tools and ingredients for making this successfully:

Ingredients for pear preserves laid out on a white surface, including chopped pears, sugar, spices, lemon juice, and pectin.

Pears. Fully ripe pears are crucial for the right texture and flavor in your preserves.
Bottled lemon juice. This ensures consistent acidity levels, which is important for safe canning.
Ground ginger and nutmeg. These spices add a warm, spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the pears perfectly.
Vanilla powder or extract. Vanilla enhances the overall flavor; if using extract, double the amount to match the intensity of the powder.
Powdered pectin. This helps the preserves set properly, giving them the right consistency.
Water bath canner. Essential for safely processing the jars, ensuring they are sealed and shelf-stable.

Most of these items (except for the waterbath canner) can be found at your local grocery store, and the waterbath canner you can find in many stores and online.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with tea and a cream biscuit for a lovely breakfast.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use less sugar in this recipe?

You really shouldn’t. The sugar not only sweetens the preserves but also helps with the setting and preservation process. Reducing the sugar might result in runny preserves and could affect their shelf life.

Can I use liquid pectin instead of powdered?

Yes, you can, but the process will be slightly different. Follow the instructions on the liquid pectin package for best results, as it’s added at a different stage than powdered pectin.

What if my preserves don’t set properly?

If your preserves are too runny, you can try re-cooking them. Bring the mixture back to a boil, add another half package of pectin, and boil for another minute. This should help them set.

Can I freeze the preserves instead of canning them?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to leave some headspace in the jars because the preserves will expand when they freeze. They should last for several months in the freezer.

Is it okay to use unripe pears?

Using unripe pears isn’t recommended. They don’t release enough natural pectin and moisture, which can affect the texture and flavor of your preserves. Fully ripe pears work best for this recipe.

Storing Leftovers

To store this properly, follow these steps:

Cooling: After processing the jars, let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
Checking Seals: Ensure each jar is properly sealed by pressing the center of the lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the seal is good.
Removing Rings: Once sealed, remove the rings to prevent rust and store the jars without them.
Storage: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry. They will last up to 18 months or as per the lid manufacturer’s recommendations.

Freezing Instructions

If you prefer to freeze the preserves:

Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Make sure to use jars or containers that are safe for freezing.
Leave Headspace: Leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
Cooling: Let the preserves cool completely before sealing the containers.
Freezing: Place the containers in the freezer. The preserves will last for several months.

Proper storage ensures your pear preserves stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible!

Making pear preserves at home is a wonderful way to enjoy the sweet flavor of ripe pears all year long. With a few simple steps and some basic ingredients, you can create delicious preserves that are perfect for anything from breakfast to dessert. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!