Pears are another fruit that we love. Jarring it up provides fruit year around that is so much healthier than store-bought fruit. Here’s how to can fresh pears.
Start by preparing jars and getting water in the canner heating. You want the canner hot, but not boiling, when the jars are ready to be processed.See full water bath canning instructions here.
For a Hot Pack
Make a light or medium syrup. (Add in 1 tsp vanilla if desired.)
Peel, core, and slice pears in halves or slices.
Treat to prevent browning. Slice into a pot of lemon water. 1/2-1 cup lemon juice to 2 quarts water.
When all pears are sliced, drain and add pears to syrup, with just enough syrup to cover. (see notes for syrup recipes and options)
Simmer 5 minutes.
Pack hot pears into hot jar.
Cover with syrup, leaving 1/2” headspace.
Remove air bubbles. Wipe the rim clean and place on your seal and ring. Place the jar in the canner. Proceed to fill all jars. Process according to the chart below.
Notes
Processing with a Water Bath CannerPlace the jar in the warm canner. Proceed to fill all jars placing them in the canner.When all the jars are filled, bring the water in the canner to a boil. When a boil is reached that is when you'll start your timing. Process for the length of time on the chart below. Adjust for your altitude. After your time is over, turn the heat off remove the lid and allow the canner to rest for about 5 minutes. Then bring your jars up out of the water. Allow them to rest for another 5 minutes. Then remove the jars and place them a few inches apart on a thick towel to cool completely. Leave them alone for about 12 hours. When they are cooled remove the metal bands, check the seals, label the jars and store them away! Processing Times for Water Bath Canner (Hot Pack)Altitude – Pints – Quarts0-1,000 ft - 20 minutes - 25 minutes1,001-3,000 ft - 25 minutes - 30 minutes3,001-6,000 ft - 30 minutes - 35 minutesAbove 6,000 ft - 35 minutes - 40 minutesSyrup Recipes
Sugar water – 3-4 Tablespoons sugar dissolved in 1 quart water.
Lemon water- 1/2 cup lemon juice dissolved in 1 quart of water. (this is what I usually do)