Pear Honey Recipe
Pear Honey is one of those delightful homemade treasures that instantly takes you back to the heart of your grandma’s kitchen, filling your home with warmth and sweet, nostalgic aromas. This golden, glossy fruit spread is made from juicy ripe pears, a hint of pineapple, and a splash of lemon, simmered slowly with sugar until it’s thick and luscious—just like honey, but with a uniquely pear-forward flavor. Whether slathered on hot biscuits, drizzled over pancakes, or spooned onto crisp toast, Pear Honey is sure to brighten every breakfast and snack, making it a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Main Ingredients
- 8 cups ripe pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 6 cups granulated sugar
How to Make Pear Honey
Step 1: Prep the Pears
Start by peeling, coring, and finely chopping your ripe pears. The more finely you chop them, the smoother your Pear Honey will be. Choose pears that are fragrant and soft to the touch for the sweetest, most flavorful results.
Step 2: Simmer the Fruit
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped pears with the pineapple juice and lemon juice. Set the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to keep anything from sticking to the bottom. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pears are tender and starting to break down.
Step 3: Mash to Perfection
Once the pears are soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender right in the pot to mash them to your preferred texture. Some like their Pear Honey silky-smooth, while others prefer a more rustic, chunky finish—there’s no wrong way!
Step 4: Add the Sugar
Pour in the granulated sugar and stir until it dissolves completely into the hot pear mixture. This is where the magic starts—the sugar will help the mixture thicken and take on that gorgeous honey-like sheen as it cooks.
Step 5: Simmer to Honey-Like Consistency
Reduce the heat to low and let your Pear Honey simmer uncovered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s thick, glossy, and golden, with a consistency that coats a spoon just like real honey.
Step 6: Jar and Seal
Remove the pot from the heat and let your Pear Honey cool for a few minutes. Carefully ladle it into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly. For long-term storage, process the jars in a water bath canner; otherwise, keep them in the refrigerator and use within three weeks.
How to Serve Pear Honey
Garnishes
For a simple yet stunning finish, try adding a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest or a few fresh thyme leaves on top of your Pear Honey just before serving. These little touches elevate both flavor and presentation, making every spoonful feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pear Honey shines brightest alongside classic breakfast breads—think warm buttermilk biscuits, slices of toasted sourdough, or fluffy pancakes. It’s also a dream spooned over oatmeal or served with soft cheeses and crackers for a sweet-savory snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the basics! Try swirling Pear Honey into plain Greek yogurt, using it as a glaze for roasted chicken or ham, or drizzling it over vanilla ice cream. For a charming homemade gift, tie a ribbon around a jar and add a handwritten label—everyone loves getting Pear Honey from the heart.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your opened jars of Pear Honey tucked away in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing any contaminants, and you’ll enjoy every last drop.
Freezing
Pear Honey freezes beautifully! Spoon cooled Pear Honey into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and store for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using, and give it a good stir to restore its glorious texture.
Reheating
If your refrigerated or thawed Pear Honey seems a bit thick, simply warm it gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth and spreadable. This revives its silky consistency and brings out all those bright, fruity aromas again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pears for Pear Honey?
Absolutely! Any soft, ripe pear will work. Bartlett and Anjou are especially popular, but feel free to experiment with whatever variety you have on hand for unique flavor twists.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in Pear Honey?
Yes, you can cut the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet spread. Just keep in mind that sugar is not only for sweetness—it helps with preservation and texture, so don’t reduce it too drastically.
How do I know when Pear Honey is thick enough?
Your Pear Honey is ready when it’s thick, glossy, and coats the back of a spoon. If you run your finger through the mixture on the spoon and the line holds its shape, it’s perfect!
Can I can Pear Honey for long-term storage?
Definitely! Simply process your filled, sealed jars in a water bath canner according to standard canning guidelines for your altitude. Properly canned Pear Honey will keep for up to a year in a cool, dark pantry.
Is Pear Honey suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a wonderful choice for a wide range of dietary needs. Just double-check your sugar source to ensure it meets your preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Pear Honey before, you’re in for a delicious treat. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to capture the season’s sweetest pears in a jar, and once you taste it, you’ll be finding new reasons to spread, swirl, and share this golden goodness at every opportunity. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite homemade tradition!
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Pear Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Pear Honey is a luscious, naturally sweet fruit spread made from ripe pears cooked down with pineapple and lemon juices, then sweetened with granulated sugar. This homemade pear preserve offers a smooth, honey-like consistency perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or using as a delightful glaze for meats like ham or chicken. It’s a versatile, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free condiment that brings a fresh and fruity touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups ripe pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 6 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pear Mixture: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the finely chopped pears, pineapple juice, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer the Pears: Reduce the heat and allow the pears to simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the fruit is soft and breaking down.
- Mash the Pears: Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash or blend the pears to your preferred texture, either chunky or smooth.
- Add Sugar and Dissolve: Stir in the granulated sugar until fully dissolved into the pear mixture.
- Cook to Honey Consistency: Continue to simmer the mixture uncovered over low heat, stirring frequently, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Cook until the spread thickens and turns a golden color, reaching a honey-like consistency.
- Cool and Store: Remove the pot from heat and let the pear honey cool slightly. Ladle it into sterilized jars and seal immediately. Store jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process in a water bath canner for long-term storage.
Notes
- Pear honey is delicious served on biscuits, toast, pancakes, or drizzled as a glaze over ham or chicken.
- Adjust the sweetness by slightly reducing the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet spread.
- Use sterilized jars to ensure longevity and prevent spoilage if canning for long-term storage.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid burning or sticking to the pot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Spread
- Method: Simmering, Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
