Pear jam

Pear Jam with Clove and Cinnamon Flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6 jars of 300 ml

Who doesn't love freshly made pear jam that perfectly blends the flavors of fruit with warm and comforting spices? Pear jam is not just a delight to enjoy in the morning on a slice of toast, but also an excellent way to preserve seasonal fruits, bringing them back into your life even on chilly winter days. This simple and quick recipe for pear jam is perfect for delighting your family and friends, as well as adding a touch of originality to festive meals.

Necessary ingredients:
- 6 Williams pears (about 1.5 kg)
- 150 ml fresh lemon juice (approx. 3-4 lemons)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of gelling sugar (you can adjust according to your sweetness preferences)
- 1 packet of Gellfix (a natural gelling agent)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 5-6 cloves

Ingredient details:
Williams pears are known for their fine texture and sweet aroma, making them ideal for turning into jam. When choosing pears, make sure they are ripe but firm to achieve a pleasant consistency in the jam. Lemon not only adds a fresh taste but also helps preserve the color of the fruit. Gelling sugar is essential for achieving the perfect texture in the jam. Spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves add a unique fragrance, turning the jam into a true feast for the senses.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the pears: Start by washing the pears well under a stream of cold water. Use a sharp knife to peel the skin, removing it completely. Once all the pears are peeled, cut them in half, remove the seeds, and dice them into suitable-sized cubes (about 1-2 cm).

2. Mixing the ingredients: Place the pear cubes in a large bowl. Add the lemon juice and gelling sugar. Gently mix to coat the pears with the lemon juice and sugar, letting the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. This step will help extract the juice from the pears.

3. Cooking the jam: Transfer the pear mixture to a large pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

4. Adding the Gellfix: Once the mixture starts to boil, add the packet of Gellfix, stirring well to incorporate it evenly. Continue to boil the jam for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

5. Checking the consistency: To check if the jam is ready, you can do the plate test: place a spoonful of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. If it thickens and doesn't run too easily, it's ready to be jarred.

6. Jarring: Remove the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves from the jam. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small space at the top of the jars. Seal the lids tightly and turn the jars upside down to create a vacuum.

7. Cooling: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place.

Serving suggestions and variations:
Pear jam pairs perfectly with goat cheese or aged cheese, bringing a savory contrast between sweet and salty. A creative idea would be to use it as a filling for cakes or pies. You can also add toasted nuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.

You can vary the recipe by adding other fruits, such as apples or plums, or experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom to personalize your jam.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of pears? Yes, you can use any type of pear you have on hand, but Williams pears are the most recommended due to their texture and flavor.
- How can I keep the jam longer? Make sure the jars are properly sterilized and sealed airtight. Store them in a cool, dark place.
- How many calories are in a serving of pear jam? A serving (approximately 20g) of pear jam has about 50-55 calories, but this can vary depending on the amount of sugar used.

Nutritional benefits:
Pears are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice. Pear jam is not just a delicacy but also a way to benefit from the nutritional properties of this fruit, especially when consumed in moderation.

Thus, making this pear jam is not just a culinary art but also a way to bring a piece of summer to your table, regardless of the season. Try this recipe and enjoy every spoonful!