Imagine spreading a spoonful of golden, glistening jam that captures the essence of sun-ripened pears and vibrant oranges in every bite. This homemade Pear and Orange Jam is not just a condiment—it's a culinary journey that transforms ordinary toast into an extraordinary morning delight. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced flavors, this preserve will elevate your breakfast experience and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Preserve
Serves: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 4 ripe pears, peeled and chopped
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel and chop the ripe pears into small pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Next, zest the orange using a microplane or zester, being careful to only remove the outer orange layer and not the bitter white pith underneath. After zesting, cut the orange in half and juice it, discarding any seeds.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped pears, orange zest, orange juice, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground ginger. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed among the fruits.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure that the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Continue to cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the fruit will break down, and the mixture will thicken.
- To check if the jam is ready, place a small amount on a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through the jam; if it holds its shape and doesn't run back together, it's ready to be jarred.
- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before transferring the jam into sterilized jars.
- Seal the jars with lids while the jam is still warm. Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to three weeks or process in a water bath for longer shelf life.
Tips
- Choose ripe, but firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Overripe pears can make your jam too mushy.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Invest in a candy thermometer for precise jam-setting temperature (around 220°F/105°C).
- Sterilize your jars before filling to extend the jam's shelf life and prevent bacterial growth.
- If you want a smoother consistency, you can use a potato masher to break down the pear pieces during cooking.
- For a more intense orange flavor, don't discard the orange zest—it adds incredible depth to the jam.
- Test the jam's readiness by using the "cold plate method" described in the recipe to ensure the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 381kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
