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Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds ripe pears (like Bartlett or Bosc), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2 whole cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Combine chopped pears, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot. If using, add the cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out some of the pear juice.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the preserves have thickened. This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the juiciness of the pears. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of preserves onto a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it is ready.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves if used.
- Ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean and secure the lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath according to your canner’s instructions for your altitude, typically 10 minutes for pints.
- Let the jars cool completely on a towel-lined counter. Check that lids have sealed before storing.
Notes
- Using ripe but firm pears will yield the best texture.
- Adjust sugar to your preference, but note that sugar acts as a preservative.
- For spiced pear preserves, add a pinch of nutmeg or a piece of ginger along with the cinnamon and cloves.
- Ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized for safe canning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop Canning
- Cuisine: Irish-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg