Pineapple-Pear Preserves
Vibrant pineapple-pear preserves combine sweet, tangy flavors with lemon and optional cinnamon, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Keep pears in water with Fruit Fresh while preparing them. Rinse and drain.
- Place pears in a large enameled pan or pot; add more Fruit Fresh and sugar to coat all slices thickly.
- Slice all lemons very thin, remove seeds, then add to the pears.
- Add crushed pineapple to the mixture. Cover and soak overnight.
- The next morning, cook over medium heat until pears are beginning to 'clear' at the thick part and are barely fork-tender.
- Optional: sprinkle with cinnamon to taste during cooking.
- Cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until mixture reaches desired consistency.
- Jar the hot preserves into hot jars and seal with hot seals.
- Yield approximately 8 to 10 pints. Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. If you don't have Fruit Fresh, lemon juice can act as a substitute to prevent browning. For a sweeter preserve, adjust the sugar to your taste, but be mindful that the balance of acidity from the lemons is essential for proper preservation.
Serving Suggestions
These preserves are delightful spread on toast or served alongside Grandmommy'S Rolls for breakfast. They also make a lovely topping for yogurt or ice cream. For a unique twist, try pairing them with cheese for a savory-sweet appetizer, or incorporate them into a cheese board alongside crackers and nuts.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of preserves in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks. To reheat, simply spoon the desired amount into a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple-Pear Preserves contains roughly 252 calories, with 5g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (93% of the Daily Value), potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the combination of pears and pineapple is delicious, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches or apples. Just be sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit used.
How can I tell when the preserves are ready?
The preserves are done when the mixture has thickened and the pears appear somewhat translucent. Performing a 'spoon test' can help; place a small amount on a chilled plate and if it holds its shape, it’s ready for jarring.
Is it necessary to soak the mixture overnight?
Soaking the mixture overnight allows the flavors to meld and the sugar to draw out moisture from the fruits, resulting in a richer preserve. If short on time, you can skip this step but the flavor may be less intense.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).