Homemade Pear Preserves
Homemade pear preserves are the best! When pears are in season, we make these preserves and give away tons of jars.
History of Pears
Pears are in the same family as apples, the rose family. The cultivation of pears dates back to 2000 BC China. As time passed, the Romans and Greeks domesticated and cultivated them, creating over 50 varieties. This beloved fruit came to America with the colonists in the 1600s. Now the United States produces more pears than any other country. Most pears that are sold in the US grow in Oregon, Washington, New York, California, and Michigan.
Varieties of Pears
Currently, there are over 3000 varieties of pears. The Bartlett pear is the number one pear worldwide. Other varieties include:
- Asian Pear
- Bosc Pear
- Red Anjou Pear
- Seckel Pear
- Comice Pear
- Forelle Pear
- Concorde Pear
- Starkrimson Pear
Fun Facts About Pears
- Pears ripen best off the tree.
- Pears harvested in the United States are picked by hand.
- Europeans called pears the “butter fruit”.
- They aid in digestion and weight loss.
- They only contain about 100 calories.
- It is the official tree of Oregon.
- Musical instruments, furniture, and other items are commonly made from pear tree wood.
- Pears are eaten raw, baked, canned, and in desserts.
How to Make Pear Preserves
Ingredients
- Pears
- Sugar
- Water
- Lemon Juice
- Two large pots
- Seven half-pint jars
- Ladle
Instruction
Peel and slice pears. In a large pot, combine pears, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until mixture thickens. It should reach a spreadable consistency.
Remove from heat. Ladle into seven hot half-pint jars. Be sure to leave 1/4″ headspace.
Wipe rims. Place lids on the jars. Screw on lids until fingertip tight.
Place jars in canner or large pot. The jars must be completely covered with water. Bring to a boil. Let boil, or process, for 10 minutes.
Remove jars and cool. After 24 hours, the jars that haven’t sealed should be placed in the refrigerator.
Pear Preserves
Equipment
- 2 large pots
- 7 half-pint jars with lids
- ladle
Ingredients
- 16 cups peeled, sliced fresh pears (about 16 medium)
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine pears, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
- Cook, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until mixture thickens. It should reach a spreadable consistency.
- Remove from heat. Ladle into seven hot half-pint jars. Be sure to leave 1/4" headspace.
- Wipe rims. Place lids on the jars. Screw on lids until fingertip tight.
- Place jars in canner or large pot. The jars must be completely covered with water. Bring to a boil. Let boil, or process, for 10 minutes.
- Remove jars and cool. After 24 hours, the jars that haven't sealed should be placed in the refrigerator.
We love adding these preserves to biscuits and for toppings on ice cream and pancakes! What do would you eat them with?
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Pear Preserves
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I’ve always loved gardening and recently started gardening full-time. I also enjoy tending to our chickens, dogs, and other family pets (a bird, a snake, and rabbits).
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