Immerse yourself in the delightful essence of Pear Perfection Jam, a homemade spread that captures the gentle sweetness and soft texture of ripe pears. This jam is a celebration of the orchard's bounty, offering a subtly sweet, aromatic experience that's perfect for enhancing your breakfasts, desserts, or as a sophisticated pairing with cheeses.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: About 3 cups
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Nutritional Profile (per tablespoon)
- Calories: 33 kcal
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8.5 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Sugar: 8 g
Ingredients
- Fresh pears, peeled, cored, and chopped (1 kg / 2.2 lbs / 35 oz)
- Granulated sugar (450g / 1 lb / 16 oz)
- Lemon juice (30ml / 2 tbsp / 1 oz)
- Water (50ml / 1.7 oz)
- Ground cinnamon (optional for a spiced flavor) (5g / 0.2 oz)
- Pectin (optional, for thicker jam) (5g / 0.2 oz)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Prepare Pears: Peel, core, and chop the pears into small pieces.
- Macerate the Fruit: In a large pot, combine pears with sugar and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Mixture: Add water, lemon juice, and cinnamon to the pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add pectin for a thicker jam, if desired, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Test for Doneness: Drop a small amount of jam on a cold plate. If it gels, it’s ready.
- Jar and Cool: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top. Seal and let cool.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Selecting Pears: Use ripe, but firm pears for the best flavor.
- Texture Variations: For a smoother jam, blend the cooked pears before jarring.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pears?
Yes, different pear varieties can add unique flavors to the jam.
How long does pear jam last?
Properly stored, it can last up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
Can I make the jam with less sugar?
Yes, but adjust according to your taste and remember sugar helps in preservation.