Priscilla'S Pear Pickles
Sweet and tangy pear pickles with a hint of spice, ideal for snacking or garnishing cheese platters, perfect for those enjoying homemade preserves and unique fruit flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and core the pears.
- Place pears immediately in 1 quart of water with 1 tablespoon vinegar added.
- Combine sugar, vinegar, and water to make the syrup.
- Bring the syrup mixture to a boil.
- Add spices tied in cheesecloth to the boiling syrup. Cover and boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove the spices from the syrup.
- Put the prepared pears into hot pint jars.
- Pour the hot syrup over the pears, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace in each jar.
- Ensure the pears are fully covered with syrup.
- Adjust the lids on the jars.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath at 212°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of allspice or cinnamon to the syrup. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar to 2 cups. Ensure the pears are ripe but firm to maintain their texture during processing. Always use sterilized jars for safe canning.
Serving Suggestions
Priscilla's Pear Pickles make a delightful addition to cheese boards or charcuterie platters. They pair beautifully with savory dishes like roast pork or duck. For a sweet twist, serve them alongside desserts like vanilla ice cream or browse more canned fruit recipes for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of pear pickles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks. To reheat, simply warm the pickles gently in a saucepan over low heat, ensuring they don't boil to preserve their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Priscilla'S Pear Pickles contains roughly 762 calories, with 10g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 467mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
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 instead of pears?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches or apples. Just ensure they have a similar texture and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired tenderness.
How long do these pickles last?
When properly canned and sealed, these pear pickles can last up to one year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store them in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks for the best flavor.
What spices work well in the syrup?
Common spices include cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. You can tie them in cheesecloth for easy removal after boiling. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile!
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).