Homemade Pear Jam: A Taste of Summer in a Jar
Summer brings with it a variety of delicious fruits, each offering a unique taste of the season’s warmth and bounty. Among these treasures are pears, often overshadowed by their more common counterparts but no less deserving of a place in our kitchens.
Like peaches, pears are a seasonal gem not readily available locally in the Canadian prairies. However, when the opportunity arises, a batch of pear jam is a must in any jam-making rotation.
The Elusive Pears of the Prairies
Living in the Canadian prairies, we are blessed with a variety of hardy fruits that thrive in our unique climate. Apples, cherries, and even some varieties of plums make their home here. However, pears remain elusive.
While there are hardy varieties that can withstand our harsh winters, they are not common. My mom, an avid gardener, has tried for years to coax pear trees into flourishing, but without success. Despite her green thumb and dedication, the pear trees have stubbornly refused to yield.
This scarcity makes pears a special treat, a fleeting indulgence that must be seized when the season is right. Summer sales, farmers markets, and fruit trucks become treasure troves, offering a chance to stock up on these golden delights.
Selecting Pears for Jam
Pears, with their delicate flavor and juicy texture, lend themselves perfectly to the jam making process.
Selecting pears for fresh eating begins with seeking the best pears, ones that are ripe but still firm, free from bruises or blemishes. However, when making jam this doesn’t matter as much since the final product will be just as nice regardless of what the fruit looks like.
Keep in mind that if you find bruised or slightly overripe pears on sale, they need to be made into jam right away since they can quickly go from slightly imperfect to very imperfect!
The variety doesn’t matter as much, though Bartlett and Anjou pears are particularly well-suited for jam. Once you’ve gathered your bounty, the real fun begins.
Subtle but Powerful Recipe Tweaks
While traditional pear jam is a delight in its own right, there’s always room for a little culinary creativity. Adding spices to your jam can elevate its flavor, transforming it from simple and sweet to a complex, aromatic spread.
Here are a few spices that can add a unique twist to your pear jam, making it even more irresistible.
Ginger: A Warm and Zesty Kick
Ginger brings a warm, zesty kick to pear jam that can be both surprising and delightful. This spice pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of pears, adding a layer of warmth and a hint of spiciness. You can use fresh ginger for a more intense flavor or ground ginger for a subtler effect.
I use 2 tsp of dried ground ginger or 1 Tbsp of fresh grated ginger. The result is a jam that’s not only delicious on toast but also a fantastic glaze for meats or a unique addition to desserts.
Cinnamon: Comforting and Aromatic
Cinnamon is a classic spice that enhances the sweetness of pears, adding a comforting, aromatic quality to the jam. Just a pinch of ground cinnamon can transform your pear jam into a cozy treat reminiscent of warm autumn days (I use 1.5 tsp in my jam).
This spice pairs particularly well with pears, creating a jam that’s perfect for spreading on warm bread or stirring into oatmeal on a chilly morning.
Vanilla: Smooth and Sophisticated
Vanilla adds a smooth, sophisticated note to pear jam, highlighting the fruit’s natural sweetness and adding depth to the flavor profile. A splash of pure vanilla extract or the seeds from a vanilla bean can turn a simple jam into something truly special (I use 2 tsp of real vanilla extract).
The vanilla enhances the pears without overwhelming them, creating a balanced, elegant spread. This variation is ideal for those who enjoy a more refined taste, perfect for pairing with pastries, cheeses, or even drizzled over ice cream.
Homemade Pear Jam: A Taste of Summer in a Jar
8
250 ml jars20
minutes10
minutesCapture the essence of summer by transforming ripe pears into a luscious spread, perfect for toast, pastries, or as a unique ingredient in your favorite dishes. Enhance the natural sweetness of pears with subtle yet powerful spices like ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla, creating a sophisticated and aromatic jam that will brighten any pantry.
Ingredients
4 c pears, finely chopped or crushed
1 Tbsp lemon juice
5 c sugar
1 pkg (57 g) powdered pecting
Directions
- Mix pears, lemon juice, and pectin (and spice of your choice, if using: see notes below) in a large pot, and bring to a boil while stirring constantly
- Add sugar, return to heat and bring to a full boil while stirring continuously.
- Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, then remove from heat.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on, and secure the bands.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove from water bath, let cool, and store in a cool, dark place until opened. Keep refrigerated after opening.
Notes
- To kick your recipe up a notch, try adding ONE of these ingredients to the mix: 1.5 tsp cinnamon; 2 tsp real vanilla extract; 2 tsp of dried ground ginger or 1 Tbsp of fresh grated ginger.
A Taste of Summer All Year Round
Pear jam is more than just a delicious spread for your morning toast. It’s a way to capture the essence of summer and preserve it for the colder months ahead. Each spoonful is a reminder of warm days and sun-ripened fruit, a small luxury that can brighten even the darkest winter morning.
So, the next time you come across a good deal on pears, don’t hesitate. Embrace the opportunity to make pear jam.
Whether you share it with friends and family or keep it all to yourself, you’ll be glad you took the time to create something so special. After all, summer may be fleeting, but its sweetness can linger on in a jar of homemade pear jam.
