How to Make Classic Pear Preserves with Warm Fall Spices
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.
Pear Preserves
Equipment
- 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
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
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.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here are a few key tools and ingredients for making this successfully:
- 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.
Troubleshooting and Help
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.