A pear jam recipe is a simple way to preserve the natural sweetness and delicate flavor of fresh pears. With just a few basic ingredients, pear jam can be made at home and used for breakfast, baking, or gifting. Whether prepared with or without pectin, a pear jam recipe allows you to control texture, sweetness, and flavor while enjoying a homemade spread that highlights seasonal fruit.
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Jam: What It Is, How It’s Made, Ingredients, and Nutrition Explained
What Is Pear Jam
Pear jam is a fruit preserve made by cooking fresh pears with sugar and acid until the mixture thickens and sets. It has a smooth or slightly chunky texture depending on preparation and a mild, naturally sweet flavor compared to other fruit jams. Pear jam is commonly used as a spread for toast, a filling for baked goods, or paired with cheese due to its subtle sweetness.
Pear Jam Ingredients
Basic Ingredients for Pear Jam Recipe
The basic ingredients for a pear jam recipe include fresh pears, sugar, lemon juice, and optional pectin. Pears provide natural sweetness and body, while sugar helps preserve the jam and create the proper texture.
Sugar Options for Pear Jam
Granulated white sugar is most commonly used because it provides a clean flavor and reliable setting. Brown sugar can add a deeper, caramel like taste but may darken the jam. Low sugar or alternative sweeteners can be used with specific pectin designed for reduced sugar recipes.
Lemon Juice and Acid in Pear Jam
Lemon juice is essential in pear jam because pears are low in natural acidity. Acid improves flavor balance, supports proper setting, and helps preserve the jam safely.
Pectin for Pear Jam
Pectin is a natural thickening agent that helps pear jam set faster and more reliably. Pears are low in pectin, so many recipes include added pectin to achieve a firm, spreadable consistency.
Optional Spices and Flavor Additions
Common flavor additions include cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg, or cloves. These spices enhance the natural pear flavor without overpowering it and are often used in small amounts.
Pear Jam Recipe With Pectin
Ingredients
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4 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped pears
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3 to 4 cups granulated sugar, depending on desired sweetness
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 package powdered fruit pectin, usually about 49 g
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1 cup water
Step 1: Prepare the pears
Wash, peel, core, and chop the pears into small, even pieces. Consistent size helps the pears cook evenly and improves the final texture of the pear jam. Measure the fruit accurately after chopping.
Step 2: Combine pears and liquid
Place the chopped pears and water into a large, heavy bottom pot. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes until the pears soften.
Step 3: Add lemon juice and pectin
Stir in the lemon juice, then slowly sprinkle the powdered pectin over the pear mixture while stirring continuously. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
Step 4: Add sugar
Once boiling, add the sugar all at once. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Return the mixture to a rolling boil and boil hard for 1 full minute, stirring continuously to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 5: Test the set
After boiling, remove the pot from heat. To check consistency, place a small spoonful of pear jam on a chilled plate. Let it sit briefly, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles slightly and holds shape, the jam is ready.
Step 6: Skim foam if needed
If foam forms on the surface, skim it off with a spoon. This improves the clarity and appearance of the finished pear jam.
Step 7: Jar the pear jam
Pour the hot pear jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe jar rims clean, place lids on top, and secure bands until fingertip tight.
Step 8: Process or cool
For long term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath according to safe canning guidelines. If not canning, allow the jars to cool, then refrigerate.
Pear Jam Recipe Without Pectin
Ingredients
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4 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped pears
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2½ to 3 cups granulated sugar, adjust to taste
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1/2 cup water
Step 1: Prepare the pears
Wash, peel, core, and chop the pears into small, even pieces. Smaller pieces help the pears break down more easily during the longer cooking process required when no pectin is used.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
Place the chopped pears, water, and lemon juice in a heavy bottom pot. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until the pears begin to soften and release their natural juices.
Step 3: Add sugar and begin simmering
Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 4: Cook until thickened
Continue cooking the pear jam uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes. As moisture evaporates, the jam will gradually thicken. Stir more often as the mixture reduces to avoid scorching the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Mash or blend if desired
For a smoother texture, mash the pears with a spoon or potato masher while cooking. For very smooth pear jam, an immersion blender can be used briefly once the fruit has softened.
Step 6: Test the jam set
Use the chilled plate test by placing a spoonful of jam on a cold plate. After a few seconds, push it with your finger. If the surface wrinkles and the jam holds its shape, it is ready.
Step 7: Skim foam and cool
Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface. Allow the jam to cool slightly before transferring to jars.
Step 8: Store or preserve
Pour the pear jam into clean jars. Refrigerate for short term storage or process in a water bath if preserving for long term storage.
This pear jam recipe without pectin creates a softer, more rustic jam with concentrated pear flavor, relying on slow cooking and natural sugars to achieve the proper consistency.
How to Make Pear Jam
Preparing Pears for Jam
Start by selecting ripe but firm pears with good aroma and natural sweetness. Pears that are too ripe contain excess moisture and can result in a loose or watery jam, while underripe pears lack flavor. Wash the pears thoroughly under running water to remove dirt or residue before peeling and cutting. Consistent fruit quality is important because pears are naturally low in pectin and mild in flavor, so starting with good fruit makes a noticeable difference in the final jam.
Peeling and Chopping Pears
Most pear jam recipes recommend peeling the pears to achieve a smooth and uniform texture. After peeling, cut the pears in half, remove the cores, and chop the flesh into small, even pieces. Smaller pieces cook more evenly and break down faster, which helps the jam thicken properly and prevents large chunks from remaining undercooked.
Cooking Pear Jam on the Stove
Combine the chopped pears with sugar and lemon juice in a heavy bottomed pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. As the pears heat, they release liquid and begin to soften. The mixture is gradually brought to a boil, where the sugars concentrate and the fruit breaks down into a jam like consistency.
How Long to Cook Pear Jam
Cooking time depends on whether pectin is used. Pear jam made with added pectin usually takes 15 to 25 minutes once boiling. Without pectin, pear jam must simmer longer, often 45 to 60 minutes, to allow excess moisture to evaporate and natural sugars to concentrate. Stirring regularly is important during longer cooking times.
How to Know When Pear Jam Is Done
Pear jam is ready when it thickens and no longer looks watery. A common method is the chilled plate test. Place a small spoonful of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, the jam has reached the correct set. The jam should also coat the back of a spoon rather than run off.
Pear Jam Canning and Preservation
How to Can Pear Jam
Pear jam is canned by filling hot, sterilized jars with hot jam, leaving proper headspace, sealing with lids, and processing in a water bath.
Water Bath Canning Pear Jam
Water bath canning involves placing sealed jars in boiling water for the recommended time to ensure a safe seal and long shelf life.
Sterilizing Jars for Pear Jam
Jars are sterilized by washing and heating them in boiling water or a hot oven before filling to prevent contamination.
How Long Pear Jam Lasts When Canned
Properly canned pear jam can last up to one year when stored in a cool, dark place.
Storing Pear Jam
How to Store Pear Jam
Pear jam should be stored in airtight containers. Unopened jars are kept at room temperature, while opened jars should be refrigerated.
Refrigerated Pear Jam Shelf Life
Once opened, pear jam typically lasts two to four weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pear Jam
Pear jam can be frozen in freezer safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Frozen jam can last up to six months.
Signs Pear Jam Has Gone Bad
Spoilage signs include mold growth, off odors, fermentation bubbles, or changes in color or texture.
Pear Jam Uses and Serving Ideas
Pear Jam for Toast and Breakfast
Pear jam is commonly spread on toast, English muffins, pancakes, or waffles for breakfast.
Pear Jam for Baking and Desserts
Pear jam can be used as a filling for pastries, thumbprint cookies, cakes, and bars, or swirled into yogurt and desserts.
Pear Jam for Cheese Boards
Pear jam pairs well with cheeses such as brie, blue cheese, and aged cheddar, adding sweetness to savory boards.
Pear Jam as a Gift
Pear jam makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially when packaged in small jars with labels or fabric covers.
Pear Jam Nutrition and Calories
Pear Jam Calories
Pear jam is relatively high in calories due to added sugar, with a typical serving containing about 40 to 60 calories per tablespoon.
Sugar Content in Pear Jam
Most pear jams contain significant sugar to ensure preservation and proper texture, though amounts vary by recipe.
Is Pear Jam Healthy
Pear jam can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, but it should not be considered a low sugar food.
How to Make Lower Sugar Pear Jam
Lower sugar pear jam can be made by reducing sugar, using low sugar pectin, or relying on natural pear sweetness while accepting a softer set.
Conclusion
This pear jam recipe shows how easy it is to turn fresh pears into a smooth, flavorful jam using straightforward techniques. By choosing ripe pears, balancing sugar and acidity, and cooking to the right consistency, pear jam can be made successfully at home. Once prepared, pear jam stores well and works in many recipes, making it a practical and versatile homemade preserve.
