Can you preserve pears without sugar?

Yes, it is possible to preserve pears without using sugar. There are a few sugar-free methods that allow you to enjoy canned or preserved pears year-round.

Why preserve pears without sugar?

There are a few reasons why someone may want to preserve pears without added sugar:

• To avoid added sugars for health reasons like diabetes or weight management
• To control total sugar and calorie intake
• To suit a low-carb, keto, or paleo diet
• To avoid influencing the natural sweetness of the pears
• To control or eliminate added preservatives

While fresh pears already contain natural sugar, preserving them without added sugar can help keep their calorie and carbohydrate counts lower.

Water bath canning

One of the most common ways to preserve pears without sugar is through water bath canning. This hot water method uses heat to destroy bacteria and seal jars for shelf-stable preservation.

To water bath can pears without sugar:

1. Wash, peel, core and slice fresh, ripe pears. Pack into sterile jam jars, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
2. Fill jars with boiling water, apple juice or white grape juice to cover pears. Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace.
3. Remove air bubbles and clean jar rims. Seal jars with two-piece canning lids.
4. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 20-25 minutes based on your altitude. Turn off heat and allow jars to rest in water for 5 minutes.
5. Remove jars and allow to cool completely. Check seals, then store in a cool, dark place up to 1 year.

The natural juice and sugar in the pears is enough to allow for safe water bath preservation. The end result is sweet, concentrated pear flavor!

No-sugar pectin method

Another way to can pears without sugar is using a no-sugar needed pectin product. This allows you to skip the added sugar while still benefiting from pectin to gel and thicken the preserves.

To use no-sugar pectin:

1. Prepare pectin according to package directions, using bottled juice or water instead of sugar.
2. Wash, peel, core and slice pears. Crush slightly to release juices.
3. Bring pears and bottled juice or water to a boil in a large pot. Add prepared pectin and return to a boil.
4. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and ladle into sterile jars, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids and rings.
6. Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Allow to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.

This results in thick, spreadable pear preserves that get their sweetness directly from the fruit.

Lemon juice method

Lemon juice can help safely preserve pears without sugar thanks to its acidic pH. Follow this simple steps:

1. Wash, peel, core and slice ripe pears.
2. In a large pot, combine 4 cups sliced pears and 2 Tbsp lemon juice. Gently stir.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Funnel into sterile jars leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean.
5. Apply lids and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude).
6. Allow to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours to seal.

The lemon juice helps inhibit bacteria growth while the pears’ natural sugars lend sweetness. Refrigerate after opening.

Freezer method

Freezing is an easy way to preserve pears without added sugar. Simply:

1. Wash, peel, core and slice ripe pears.
2. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
4. Transfer frozen pear slices to freezer bags or containers.
5. Remove air and seal. Return to freezer.

The frozen pear slices will keep for 8-12 months. Thaw at room temperature or quickly under cold water before eating or adding to recipes.

Drying method

Dried pears need no sugar or preservatives added. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat oven to 140°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Wash, peel, core and slice pears about 1⁄4 inch thick.
3. Arrange in a single layer on prepared sheets. Avoid overlaps.
4. Bake for 6-8 hours, flipping halfway, until dried and leathery.
5. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place up to 1 year.

Rehydrate dried pears in water, juice or other liquids before eating if desired. Enjoy as sweet, shelf-stable snacks.

Spicing method

Spices can help naturally preserve pears without sugar. Try this recipe:

1. Combine 4 peeled, cored and chopped pears with 1 cup water, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp whole allspice and 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until soft.
3. Remove spices. Purée pears until smooth. Return to pot.
4. Funnel into jars leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean. Apply lids and rings.
5. Process in a water bath canner for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude).
6. Allow to seal and cool undisturbed 12-24 hours. Refrigerate after opening.

The spices help inhibit bacteria growth without added sugar. This results in a sweet and aromatic pear purée.

Fermenting method

Fermenting pears helps preserve them using natural bacteria. It results in a tasty, tangy flavor. Here’s how:

1. Chop 5 lbs pears (peels on) and combine with 3 Tbsp salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.
2. Pack mixture into a clean 1-gallon jar, pressing down to remove air pockets.
3. Fill jar with filtered water, leaving 1-inch of headspace. Seal lid.
4. Allow to ferment at room temperature for 4-6 weeks until bubbles subside.
5. Transfer to smaller jars, seal and refrigerate up to 6 months.

The natural bacteria ferments the pears, producing lactic acid that preserves. This adds tangy flavor and probiotics.

Choosing the right pears

To help any no-sugar pear preservation method succeed:

• Select ripe, unbruised pears at their peak ripeness. Under-ripe pears lack flavor and sugar.
• Opt for sweeter varieties like Anjou, Bartlett or Bosc pears which have more sugar.
• Combine pear varieties for more complex flavor.
• Taste pears before preserving and add lemon juice to tart varieties if needed.

Storage and serving

Preserved pears will last 6-12 months stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening. Before serving, keep in mind:

• Canned or water bath preserved pears can be enjoyed straight from the jar.
• No-sugar pectin preserves have a spreadable jam-like consistency.
• Frozen pears may need thawing before eating.
• Dehydrate dried pears in liquids to rehydrate if they are too leathery.
• Spiced or fermented pears develop more complex flavors over time.

Enjoy preserved pears as snacks, in yogurt parfaits, paired with cheese, over salad, or in desserts. Their concentrated sweetness shines without added sugar.

Conclusion

It is absolutely possible to preserve and can pears at home without added sugars. Methods like water bath canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting allow you to keep their sweet flavor while avoiding unnecessary added sugar.

Choosing ripe, flavorful pear varieties and experimenting with spices, juices or fermentation can result in concentrated pear flavor that needs no extra sweetening. With a little preparation and proper storage, you can enjoy preserved pears all year long.