My son only eats pears for snacks. He does not seem to like other fruits and he insists on eating it whenever he wants one. Pears can sometimes be hard to find especially when it’s off season. Is there any way I can preserve pears conveniently so my son can enjoy it all year long?
Kids can be very picky eaters. Their pickiness makes it hard for parents to ensure that they get enough nutrients from the food that they eat. Fortunately, your son craves for healthy picks rather than junk ones. With that, he gets the right amount of nutrients to go through the day and at the same time, satisfy his healthy tooth.
Pears are known as rich sources of fiber and antioxidants. They are subtly sweet and they make a tasty and healthy snack. However, it gets hard to acquire them when they’re off season. It’s a good thing that there are many ways to preserve pears. Freezing can be one of the easiest ways to preserve pears. There are two different methods of freezing pears, using the syrup pack or the dry pack. Any food prepared in an unsanitary way will always spoil faster than the ones prepared in a hygienic way. Make sure proper sanitary techniques are always done.
Can You Freeze Pears?
Fruits are easy to preserve. One of the methods popularly done is freezing. By freezing fruits, one can enjoy slices of their favorites any time, even if they’re off season.
Pears are known for their high content in fiber and antioxidants. With proper hygiene during food preparation, pears can last 6 to 9 months in the freezer.
Although quick and easy, frozen pears can become mushy if not thawed properly. You can thaw frozen pears by transferring them to the body of refrigerator, by laying them on cool water, or by heating them in the microwave.
To freeze pears, you must start by choosing a pear that is just about to ripen. Pears ripen from the inside rather than the outside. One can know if it’s ripe if the neck is not too hard nor soft.
Wash, peel, core, and cut pears and then decide your preferred method. In using a sugar method, dissolved sugar is mixed with the pears and then frozen. While in using the dry pack method, pears are frozen as they are.
Freezing pauses any degradation and as a result, some vitamins can be retained, and some can be lost. Though not drastic, the excess sugar that is added when using the sugar pack method will increase blood sugar levels.
How to Freeze Pears
Pears are known for their subtle sweetness and are always sought over especially during its peak season. However, you don’t need to be deprived of its goodness during off season, because you can enjoy them all year round by simply freezing them.
- Start by choosing the perfect pears. You wouldn’t want to freeze an overly ripe pear after all.
- Next, prepare the pears by washing, peeling, and coring them.
- Cut the pears into thin even slices.
- Spritz the pears with lemon juice and water to prevent oxidation and browning.
- Decide what method you will be doing: Syrup Pack Method or Dry Pack Method.
- Syrup Pack Method: Add 2 cups of sugar to 3 cups if water and bring to a boil. Once sugar is dissolved, dip pears into syrup for a minute or two and drain. Place in freezer safe bags, and then freeze.
- Dry Pack Method: Lay even cut pears in a cookie sheet and freeze. Once frozen, the pears can be transferred to freezer safe bags and then frozen.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Pears?
Pears are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra pears? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover pears:
- Make a Pear Pie – A pear pie is a delicious way to use up your extra pears. Just add them to a pie crust with some sugar and spices, and you’ll have a tasty dessert that everyone will love.
- Add them to your oatmeal – To add some extra sweetness and flavor to your morning oatmeal, just add some cubed pears to the mix. You can also top your oatmeal with sliced pears for a delicious and healthy breakfast.
- Make a Pear Crisp – A pear crisp is a great way to use up your extra pears. Just add them to a baking dish with some sugar and spices, and you’ll have a tasty dessert that everyone will love.
- Add them to a salad – Pears make a great addition to any salad. Just add them in with your other favorite fruits and vegetables, and you’ll have a healthy and delicious dish in no time.
- Make Pear Jam – Pear jam is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. To make pear jam, you will need 3 cups of chopped pears, 1 cup of sugar, 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 package of fruit pectin. Simply combine the pears and sugar in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the lemon juice and pectin and stir until combined. Pour into jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This recipe makes about 4 half-pint jars of jam.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover pears. Next time you find yourself with extra fruit, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Pear Recipes
Pears are great sources for vitamins and fiber. Here are some recipes that you won’t regret adding to your daily meals.
This Pear Almond Tart recipe by Mark’s Cuisine is a tasty way to enjoy pears over an afternoon tea or a cup of coffee.
Wow your guests with these Poached Pears by Cooking4Students. This recipe makes a great pear dessert with restaurant quality and can be enjoyed by everyone of any age.
These Ginger Baked Pears by Chef Buck is a very easy to do pear dish which will surely be a crowd pleaser. Who would have thought ginger and pear make a great combination?
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze pears. Frozen pears will last for 6-8 months in the freezer. Here is how to do it: peel them, remove the core and stem ends, put on a tray lined with parchment paper until totally frozen (they shouldn’t be touching each other), transfer to air-tight freezer bags, seal tightly, date them before putting in your freezer.
Now that you know how to freeze pears please share your experience with me in the comment section below. I am always looking forward to hearing from my readers!