Pear Butter

This pear butter recipe includes orange zest and ground nutmeg for a delicious winter treat on toast or a topping for sliced roast pork.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 82 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 4 pounds medium pears, quartered and cored
• 0.25 cup orange juice
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup cold water, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place pears into a large pot over medium heat; add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot and keep them from sticking, about 1/2 cup. Cook until the pears are soft, about 30 minutes. Press pears through a sieve or food mill, and measure out 2 quarts of the pulp.

Step 2

Pour pear pulp and sugar into a large saucepan and stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in orange zest, nutmeg, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until mixture is thick enough to mound in a spoon. When mixture begins to thicken, stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom. This process will take about 1 hour.

Step 3

Ladle pear butter into hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles by sliding a metal spatula around where the pear butter touches the glass. Wipe jar rims clean, and seal with lids and rings. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. The water should cover the jars by 1 inch. Check with your local extension for exact processing times for your area.