Pear Honey Jam
Golden, sweet, and easy to make, this homemade pear honey jam combines fresh pears and pineapple for a classic Southern fruit spread.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Kieffer pears about 10 cups diced fresh pears
- 10 cups sugar
- 2 cups crushed pineapple with juice
Instructions
- Peel, core, and dice pears into small pieces. Place in a large bowl.
- In a large dutch oven or stock pot, combine pears, sugar, and crushed pineapple with juice. Cover and refrigerate if not cooking right away.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cooking 15–20 minutes until pears begin to soften.
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender or potato masher to break down pears to desired texture.
- Return pot to the stove top and continue boiling 15 more minutes until mixture thickens and turns clear. (Optional: add cinnamon sticks for flavor.)
- Ladle hot pear honey into hot sterile jars, leaving space at the top of jars. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids.
- Let cool until jars pop to seal. Store in a dark place up to 12 months, or refrigerate unsealed jars.
Notes
- Pear variety matters: Kieffer pears are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape and have a natural sweetness. Other firm pears will work too.
- Texture options: Use a handheld immersion blender for a smooth spread, or a potato masher for a chunkier pear honey.
- Optional flavor twists: Add a few cinnamon sticks while cooking for a warm, spiced flavor, or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the taste.
- Canning safety: Always use hot jars and consider using the water bath canning method for food safety reasons. Sealed jars store in a dark place; unsealed jars can be refrigerated up to 6 weeks.
- Serving suggestions: Delicious on hot biscuits, pound cake, ice cream, or as a glaze for baked ham or chicken.
- Gift idea: Pear honey makes a thoughtful homemade Christmas gift—tie a ribbon around a jar for presentation.