Pears and bright, lemony-spicy ginger are a perfect flavor match. This gingered pear preserves recipe uses two types of ginger - fresh and crystallized - to add complexity and depth to the finished product. Jars of this mildly spiced preserve are a perfect gift during cold winter holidays and wonderful for cool autumn breakfasts.
Cook's note: Lemon zest is a crucial ingredient for this recipe and cannot be omitted. It imparts natural pectin to the syrup and thickens the preserves.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated
- 2 lbs pears, cored, peeled, and quartered
- 3 tablespoons crystallized ginger, chopped (candied ginger)
- 5 or 6 half-pint jars and lids
Preparation:
Sterilize the half-pint jars and lids and set them aside.
In a large saucepan, heat the sugar, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh ginger to a boil. Lower the temperature so the mixture is simmering, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
Add the quartered pears and crystallized ginger to the saucepan and continue cooking for 30 minutes, until the preserves thicken and coat a spoon.
Pack the pears and gingered syrup into the sterilized jars, and seal in a boiling water canner.
This gingered pear preserves recipe makes 5 to 6 half-pint jars.
