Spiced Ginger Pear Jam
Embrace the warm, cozy flavors of fall with this delightful Spiced Ginger Pear Jam. Made with ripe pears, zesty lime, and fresh ginger, this preserve is perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or adding to a cheese platter. With a balance of sweetness and spice, it's a wonderful way to preserve the taste of fresh pears. Enjoy this recipe with family and friends or gift it in decorative jars to loved ones. Crafting this treat is remarkably simple and immensely rewarding, making homemade preserves a truly satisfying kitchen experience.
N/A
Servings
46
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pears
5 1/2 cups (peeled and finely chopped)
Limes
2 large (zested and juiced)
White Sugar
2 1/3 cups (none)
Fresh Gingerroot
1 1/2 teaspoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and finely chopping your ripe pears until you have 5 1/2 cups prepared.
2
Zest the green rind of the limes using a zester to obtain about 1 tablespoon of zest, then juice the limes to yield 1/3 cup of lime juice.
3
In a large stainless steel or enamel saucepan, combine the prepared pears, lime zest, and lime juice.
4
Add in the grated gingerroot and white sugar, mixing well until the sugar is dissolved.
5
Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
6
Continue to boil until the mixture reaches the gel stage, which typically takes around 15 minutes. To check for the gel stage, use the cold plate test: place a small amount of jam on a plate and freeze for a minute; if it firms up, it's ready.
7
Optional: If you prefer a smoother texture, mash the mixture gently with a potato masher.
8
Once the desired consistency is achieved, carefully ladle the hot preserves into pre-sterilized, warm jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace at the top.
9
Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes if you are at altitudes up to 1,000 feet.
Nutrition Information
12g
Carbs
<1g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Ginger Pear Jam?
Spiced Ginger Pear Jam is a sweet and aromatic preserve made from ripe pears, fresh ginger, and lime, offering a warm and cozy fall flavor profile.
What kind of pears should I use for this recipe?
Use ripe pears of any variety that you enjoy; ensure they are peeled and finely chopped to yield 5 1/2 cups of fruit.
Do I need to peel the pears?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the pears should be peeled and finely chopped before measuring.
How many pears do I need to prepare?
You will need enough pears to produce 5 1/2 cups of prepared, finely chopped fruit.
What role does lime play in this jam?
Lime provides acidity which helps the jam set and balances the sweetness with a zesty citrus note.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of lime juice, which typically comes from about 2 large limes.
Should I use fresh or ground ginger?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of grated fresh gingerroot for the best flavor.
How much sugar is used in Spiced Ginger Pear Jam?
The recipe uses 2 1/3 cups of white sugar to help sweeten and preserve the fruit.
What type of pot should I use for cooking the jam?
A large stainless steel or enamel saucepan is recommended to prevent metallic flavors and ensure even heating.
What is a full rolling boil?
A full rolling boil is a vigorous boil that does not stop bubbling even when the mixture is stirred.
How long does it take for the jam to reach the gel stage?
It typically takes about 15 minutes of boiling to reach the gel stage.
How do I perform the cold plate test?
Place a small amount of jam on a plate that has been in the freezer; freeze it for one minute. If the jam firms up and wrinkles when touched, it is ready.
Can I make the jam smoother?
Yes, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can gently mash the mixture with a potato masher during the cooking process.
How much headspace should I leave in the jars?
You should leave 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of the jars before sealing.
How long should the jars be processed in a water bath?
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes for altitudes up to 1,000 feet.
Are the jars required to be sterilized?
Yes, the jam should be ladled into pre-sterilized, warm jars to ensure food safety.
How many calories are in a serving of this jam?
There are approximately 46 calories per serving of this Spiced Ginger Pear Jam.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, the nutritional information indicates that this jam contains no fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12g of carbohydrates.
Does this jam provide any fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 1g of fiber per serving.
Is this pear jam vegan?
Yes, the ingredients consist of fruit, sugar, and spices, which are all plant-based.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Sugar is essential for the gelling process and preservation in this specific recipe; using a substitute may affect the set and shelf life.
What if I am at an altitude higher than 1,000 feet?
If you are at a higher altitude, you will need to increase the boiling water bath processing time according to standard canning guidelines.
What can I serve with Spiced Ginger Pear Jam?
It is excellent on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or served as an accompaniment on a cheese platter.
How should I store the finished jars?
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry place. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: pears, limes, white sugar, and fresh gingerroot.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
The recipe is designed for fresh gingerroot; dried ginger has a different flavor profile and may not provide the same zesty result.
Is this a good recipe for gifting?
Yes, placing the jam in decorative jars makes it a wonderful and thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Why is it important to stir constantly while boiling?
Stirring constantly prevents the sugar from burning and the fruit from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Can I double this recipe?
It is generally recommended to make jam in single batches to ensure the mixture boils quickly enough to reach the gel stage without overcooking the fruit.