Pear Preserve Recipe

This delightful pear preserve is a must-try for anyone looking to preserve the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh pears. It’s a perfect addition to your breakfast table, adding a touch of sweetness to your morning toast or yogurt. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful jam that's ideal for canning or immediate consumption. This recipe combines ripe pears with just the right amount of sugar and a hint of lemony tang. Perfect for a cozy afternoon of cooking, this preserve captures the essence of autumn in a jar. Whether you love pears or are simply looking to diversify your homemade jam collection, this is an excellent choice. Enjoy the versatility of this preserve by using it in various desserts or simply savoring it on its own. The blending step ensures a smooth texture, although you can leave chunks if you prefer a rustic feel. The entire process is straightforward and even beginners will find it easy to follow.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 kg ripe pears
• 1 kg sugar

Spices

• 1 teaspoon citric acid

Liquid Ingredients

• 2 cups water

Preparation Time

• Total: 40 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Pears: Begin by washing the pears thoroughly. If desired, peel them for a smoother preserve, then chop them into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.

2. Add Citric Acid: Place the chopped pears in a large pot and sprinkle with citric acid to preserve the color and enhance the flavor.

3. Add Water: Pour in the water, making sure the pears are mostly submerged to soften them adequately while cooking.

4. Start Cooking: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Soften the Pears: Continue cooking until the pears are soft, which should take about 15 minutes. They should yield easily to a fork or spoon.

6. Blend for Smoothness: Using an immersion blender, gently blend the pears to your desired consistency, whether smooth or with some chunks for texture.

7. Incorporate Sugar: Add the sugar to the pot, stirring well to integrate completely with the pear mixture.

8. Dissolve the Sugar: Continue cooking over low heat until the sugar is entirely dissolved, stirring frequently to avoid caramelization at the bottom.

9. Reduce and Thicken: Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it reaches your preferred jam thickness. This usually takes another 10-15 minutes.

10. Test the Consistency: To test, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and see if it gels after a minute.

11. Cool Before Storing: Once the desired consistency is reached, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.

12. Prepare Jars: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for a few minutes to ensure they are clean and safe for storing the preserve.

13. Fill the Jars: Pour the warm pear preserve into the prepared jars, leaving a little space at the top.

14. Seal the Jars: Once cooled completely, seal the jars tightly with their lids.

15. Label and Date: Label the jars with the date of preparation so you can keep track of their freshness.

16. Store or Serve: Store the jars in a cool, dark place, or keep refrigerated if you plan to consume them soon.

17. Enjoy Later: Open a jar whenever you crave the sweet taste of pears.

18. Check Seal: Before serving, ensure your jars are properly sealed to maintain freshness.

19. Spread on Bread: Perfect spread on fresh bread, or incorporated into dessert recipes.

20. Enhance Other Dishes: Use the preserves to sweeten yogurt, pancakes, or as a filling for pastries.

Tips

• Substitutions: Substitute citric acid with lemon juice for a more natural alternative.
• Safety: Ensure jars are sealed properly to prevent spoilage.
• Texture: If you prefer a chunkier preserve, pulse the blender lightly or use a potato masher.

Variations

• Spices: Add a stick of cinnamon or a few cloves during cooking for additional warmth.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.
• Fruit Combos: Mix with apples or berries for a unique flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakast: Spread on warm buttered toast for a sweet breakfast treat.
• Dessert: Top vanilla ice cream for a delicious, fruity dessert.
• Cheese Pairing: Pair with mild cheeses like brie for a delightful appetizer.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approx. 50 per tablespoon
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Best Places

1. Pear & Co. Cafe - Cozy spot known for fresh pastries and homemade jams. Location: 123 Orchard Lane, New York, USA.
2. Jam Jar Deli - Offers an array of unique preserves and spreads. Location: 456 Fruit Street, Melbourne, Australia.
3. Sweet Spread Bistro - A bistro famous for its creative fruit jams. Location: 789 Preserve Ave, Toronto, Canada.
4. Fruit Fiesta - Known for its seasonal fruit preserves and vibrant atmosphere. Location: 321 Garden Blvd, Madrid, Spain.
5. Spread Delight Cafe - Features an extensive menu of breakfast items with specialty jams. Location: 654 Spread Road, London, UK.
6. Jam Junction - Popular for its local fruit preserves and teas. Location: 987 Flavor Dr, Cape Town, South Africa.
7. Fruit Harmony - Offers a relaxing ambiance with artisanal preserves. Location: 147 Delicious St, Paris, France.
8. Pear Paradise - Specializes in pear desserts and jams. Location: 258 Sweet St, Rome, Italy.
9. Jam and Bread - A charming cafe with a stunning variety of jams. Location: 369 Aroma Court, Tokyo, Japan.
10. Paradise Spreads - Offers tropical fruit spreads with a fresh twist. Location: 753 Tropical Lane, Bangkok, Thailand.