Cinnamon-Spiced Pears in Apple Juice
This delightful recipe offers a wholesome way to preserve the natural sweetness of ripe pears while infusing them with warm cinnamon flavor. Ideal for those on restricted diets, these canned cinnamon pears offer not just a delicious dessert option but can also serve as a healthy topping for breakfasts and desserts alike. Adapted from the Ball Blue Book of Canning, this method ensures that your pears retain their lovely texture and taste, all while being preserved in a light, unsweetened apple juice for a guilt-free indulgence.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pears
1 - 1 1/2 lb (Peeled, halved, and cored)
Cinnamon Stick
1 each (Whole)
Unsweetened Apple Juice
To cover pears (Heated to a boil)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the pears, then cut them in half and remove the cores.
2
To prevent the pears from darkening, prepare a mixture of lemon juice and a little water. Submerge the pear halves in this mixture right after peeling.
3
After treating, drain the pears thoroughly and give them a quick rinse before draining again to remove excess moisture.
4
In a pot, cook the pears in boiling water, ensuring they are in a single layer, until they are heated through. This step ensures the pears are properly softened for canning.
5
While the pears are heating, bring the unsweetened apple juice to a gentle boil to prepare for canning.
6
Prepare your canning jars by ensuring they are hot. Then pack the hot pears into the jars, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
7
Add one cinnamon stick into each jar with the packed pears for flavor infusion.
8
Carefully ladle the hot apple juice over the pears in the jars, leaving an additional 1/2 inch of headspace.
9
Remove any trapped air bubbles in the jar using a knife or a bubble remover tool, making sure to avoid damaging the fruit.
10
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal, then adjust and secure the two-piece jar lids.
11
Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes to ensure they seal properly and are safe for long-term storage.
12
Once processed, allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a dark, cool area. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon-spiced pears!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cinnamon-Spiced Pears in Apple Juice?
This is a wholesome recipe for preserving ripe pears by infusing them with cinnamon and canning them in unsweetened apple juice.
How many pounds of pears do I need for this recipe?
You will need approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds of pears.
How should the pears be prepared before canning?
Pears should be peeled, cut in half, and have their cores removed.
How do I prevent the pears from turning brown?
Submerge the pear halves in a mixture of lemon juice and water immediately after peeling.
Should I rinse the pears after the lemon juice treatment?
Yes, drain the pears and give them a quick rinse to remove excess moisture before cooking.
What is the first cooking step for the pears?
Cook the pear halves in boiling water in a single layer until they are heated through and softened.
What liquid is used to pack the pears?
The recipe uses unsweetened apple juice brought to a gentle boil.
How many cinnamon sticks should I use?
Add one whole cinnamon stick to each jar.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave a 1/2 inch headspace at the top of the jar when packing both the fruit and the juice.
What is the purpose of using a bubble remover tool?
It is used to remove trapped air bubbles which can interfere with the seal and the quality of the fruit.
How long should the jars be processed?
Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for low-sugar diets?
Yes, it is designed for restricted diets as it uses unsweetened juice and no added granulated sugar.
Where should the finished jars be stored?
Store the completely cooled jars in a dark, cool area.
Can these pears be used as a breakfast topping?
Yes, they serve as a healthy and delicious topping for various breakfast dishes.
What type of canning method is used for this recipe?
This recipe utilizes the boiling water canning method.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe as written yields approximately 2 servings.
Why must the jars be hot before filling?
Hot jars prevent breakage from thermal shock when filled with hot fruit and boiling juice.
What source was this recipe adapted from?
This method was adapted from the Ball Blue Book of Canning.
Is the apple juice sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifically calls for unsweetened apple juice.
Do I need to peel the pears?
Yes, peeling is a required step to ensure the proper texture for canning.
What should I use to wipe the jar rims?
Use a clean cloth to ensure the rims are free of residue for a proper seal.
What size cinnamon sticks are used?
The recipe calls for whole cinnamon sticks, typically one per jar.
Can I use water instead of apple juice?
While you could use water, the apple juice provides natural sweetness and flavor infusion without added sugar.
How do I know if the pears are heated through?
The pears should be cooked in boiling water until they are softened enough for the canning process.
What happens if I don't remove air bubbles?
Air bubbles can expand during processing, potentially causing the liquid to overflow or preventing a proper vacuum seal.
How long should the jars cool after processing?
They should be allowed to cool completely, which typically takes 12 to 24 hours.
Are there any artificial preservatives in this recipe?
No, this recipe relies on heat processing and the natural acidity of the fruit and juice for preservation.
Can I use this recipe for other fruits?
This specific recipe is designed for pears, but the technique is common for many pome fruits.
Is this recipe considered a dessert?
Yes, it is categorized as a dessert, though it is healthy enough for breakfast.
What is the preparation for the cinnamon sticks?
The cinnamon sticks should be used whole to infuse flavor during the storage period.