Looking for a way to preserve the delicious taste of ripe Bartlett pears and enjoy them all year round? This Canning Bartlett Pears recipe delivers perfectly sweet and tender pears, safely sealed in jars, ready to be enjoyed as a snack, dessert topping, or side dish! This guide will walk you through each step of the process to ensure a successful canning experience with these popular fruits.
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What is Canning Bartlett Pears?
Canning Bartlett Pears is a method of preserving fresh Bartlett pears by processing them in sterilized jars using a water bath or pressure canner. The process involves packing peeled and halved pears into jars, covering them with a sweet syrup, and then heating the jars to a specified temperature for a set amount of time.
This heat treatment eliminates harmful microorganisms and creates a vacuum seal, preventing spoilage and allowing the pears to be stored at room temperature for an extended period. Canning allows you to enjoy the exquisite flavor of Bartlett pears long after the season is over, offering a delectable treat any time of year.
Key Ingredients for Canning Bartlett Pears:
- Bartlett Pears: 6 pounds, ripe but firm. Pears should be unblemished and without bruises. Peeling, coring and halving pears are involved with canning preparation steps.
- Water: Amount varies, depending on size of canning pot. For thinning out syrup brine.
- Sugar: 3 cups granulated sugar. Creates syrup that preserves the flavour in Bartlett Pears.
- Water: 6 cups, additional. For making the syrup brine.
- Lemon Juice: 1/2 cup bottled lemon juice. Helps as preservative agent during Canning session.
How to Make Canning Bartlett Pears:
This canned Bartlett Pears recipe is easier than you might think! It’s a great way to preserve the juicy sweetness of summer and enjoy it throughout the year. With just a few simple steps and equipment, you’ll have jars of perfectly canned pears ready to enjoy. The taste is bursting with sweet summertime goodness. Preparing time is approximately 1 hour, giving you an idea how long the recipe will take to make.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Pears: Wash the Bartlett pears thoroughly. Peel, core, and halve each pear. To prevent browning, place the pear halves in a bowl of water mixed with 1/4 cup of lemon juice as you work.
Prepare the Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine 6 cups of water and 3 cups of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat and keep the syrup warm. The syrup density affects overall preservation and flavour of finished output.
Sterilize Jars: Wash canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Sterilize the jars by placing them in a water bath canner filled with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Remove the jars from the canner using jar lifters and place them on a clean towel. Submerge lids and bands in hot water in a separate saucepan, do not boil.
Pack the Jars: Remove the pear halves from the lemon water and pack them tightly into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Pour Syrup Over Pears: Ladle the hot syrup over the pears in each jar, maintaining the 1/2 inch headspace. Gently tap the jars on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Wipe Rims and Apply Lids: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal. Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the bands finger-tight.
Process in Water Bath Canner: Place the filled jars into the water bath canner, making sure they are not touching each other. Add hot water to the canner until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for the specified time:
- Pints: 20 minutes
- Quarts: 25 minutes
- Adjust processing time for altitude. Add 1 minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
Cool and Check Seals: Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the canner using jar lifters. Place the jars on a clean towel-lined surface, leaving space between them. Allow the jars to cool completely, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours.
Check the Seals: After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid does not flex up and down, the jar is properly sealed. If a lid flexes, it is not sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few days, or reprocessed with a new lid.
Store the Jars: Remove the bands from the sealed jars, wash the jars, and label them with the date. Store the jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. The canned pears should be good for at least 1 year, or even longer if stored properly.
Why You’ll Love This Canning Bartlett Pears:
The main highlight of canning Bartlett pears this way is the incredible sweetness and tenderness you achieve. Homemade canned pears far surpass store-bought versions in flavor and texture, delivering a delightful treat that’s both satisfying and comforting. Making your own canned goods is also a fantastic way to save money compared to buying them pre-made. You control the ingredients and avoid the added preservatives and high costs associated with commercially canned fruit. Toppings can be customized by adding vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, or various other fruit extracts to bring out unique flavours.
If you enjoy canning, consider exploring a similar recipe like canned peaches, which offers a different but equally delicious way to preserve summer’s bounty. Trust me and start caning!
What to Serve Canning Bartlett Pears With:
Canned Bartlett pears are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- As Topping: Serve over ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal for a sweet and fruity breakfast or dessert.
- As a Side Dish: A perfect accompaniment to roasted pork, chicken, or ham.
- For Baking: Use in pies, tarts, or crumbles for a delicious and easy dessert.
- Straight from Jar: Enjoy straight from the jar as a healthy and satisfying snack.
5 Facts about Canning Bartlett Pears:
- Canning pears extends their shelf life to at least one year.
- Bartlett pears are the most popular type of pear for canning due to their smooth texture and sweet flavour.
- Canning helps to retain much of the pear’s nutritional value.
- Homemade canned pears are free from artificial preservatives and additives found in store-bought versions.
- The syrup used in canning helps to enhance the flavour and texture of the pears.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Store sealed jars of canned Bartlett pears in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or basement. Avoid storing the jars in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Properly canned pears can last for at least one year, and often longer, if stored correctly.
Reheating: Canned pears are typically served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to warm them, you can gently heat them in a saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to boil them, as this can make them mushy. Frozen canned pears are not recommended due to texture degradation.
Final Thoughts:
Canning Bartlett pears is a rewarding way to enjoy the taste of summer all year long. With this detailed guide, you can easily create delicious and safe canned pears that are perfect for snacks, desserts, or gifts. So, gather your supplies, follow the steps closely, and relish the satisfaction of preserving your own fruit. Bon appétit and happy canning!
Read More also:
- Canning Green Beans
- Canning Whole Potatoes
- Canning Red Potatoes
- Canning Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Our Pinterest
Canning Bartlett Pears FAQs:
Q: What type of canner should I use?
A: You can use either a water bath canner or a pressure canner for canning Bartlett pears. The processing times vary depending on the type of canner. This recipe is tailored for a water bath canner.
Q: Can I use less sugar in the syrup?
A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup, but keep in mind that sugar helps to preserve the fruit, so reducing it too much may affect the shelf life and flavour. A light syrup uses 2 cups of sugar and a very light syrup uses 1 cup of sugar.
Q: What if my jars don’t seal?
A: If a jar doesn’t seal, it should be refrigerated and used within a few days. Alternatively, you can reprocess the jar with a new lid, ensuring that the rim is clean and the lid is properly positioned.
Q: Can I freeze canned pears?
A: While you can freeze canned pears, it’s not recommended. Freezing can change the texture of the pears, making them mushy when thawed.
Q: How long will the canned pears last?
A: When stored properly in a cool, dark, and dry place, canned pears can last for at least one year, and often longer. Check for any signs of spoilage, such as bulging lids or unusual odors, before consuming.
Q: Can I add spices to the syrup?
A: Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or vanilla beans to the syrup for added flavour.
Q: What if I don’t have bottled lemon juice?
A: Bottled lemon juice is recommended because it has a consistent acidity level. If you use fresh lemon juice, ensure it is freshly squeezed and free of pulp.
Q: Do I have to peel the pears?
A: Yes, it is recommended to peel the pears for a better texture. The skins can become tough during the canning process.