Pears in Syrup
Pear season is fleeting but you can extend it forever by sealing the fruit in a jar filled with sweet syrup (the sugar preserves the fruits’ shape and flavour). We can’t stop thinking about these softened pears on crepes or waffles.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ lb (2 kg) pears, ripe but firm (about 15)
- 4 cups (1 litre) cold water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- 2 cups (420 g) sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the jars and lids in boiling water.
- On a work surface, peel and halve the pears. With a melon baller, core the pears (to hollow out a nice round shape in the centre of the fruit). Place the pears one by one in a large bowl of lemon water. Drain only when canning.
- In another saucepan, combine the water, lemon juice and sugar. Bring to a boil and make sure that the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Place the pears in the hot jars. Cover with the syrup, leaving 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top. Remove air bubbles with a non-metallic utensil and wipe the rim of the jar with a clean cloth.
- Centre the lids (discs) on the jars and screw the rings down until the point of resistance, then tighten another eighth-turn, without forcing.
- Place the jars upright on the canning rack in the pot of hot water. Make sure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Process for 15 minutes from the moment the water starts to boil.
- Remove the jars from the water.
Pear season is fleeting but you can extend it forever by sealing the fruit in a jar filled with sweet syrup (the sugar preserves the fruits’ shape and flavour). We can’t stop thinking about these softened pears on crepes or waffles.