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Old Fashioned Pear Jam

This Old Fashioned Pear Jam is made with fresh pears, sugar, and lemon juice, then slowly simmered until naturally thick without commercial pectin. It's a classic homemade preserve that's perfect for canning, freezing, or enjoying fresh throughout the year.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 5 JARS

Equipment

  • Large, wide heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • * Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Candy thermometer (optional)
  • Sterilized jars (for canning)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds 1.8 kg firm-ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 3 cups 600 g granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup 60 ml fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Combine the chopped pears, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot.
  • Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
  • Reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 45–60 minutes, until the jam thickens and passes the cold plate test.
  • Remove any foam from the surface.
  • Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
  • Process in a boiling water bath if canning for long-term storage.